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Bugibba Battery: Coastal Defense Remnants

Discover the historical Bugibba Battery in St. Paul's Bay, Malta, offering a glimpse into the island's 18th-century coastal defenses and military past.

Explore the remains of Bugibba Battery, an 18th-century coastal fortification built by the Order of St. John in St. Paul's Bay, Malta. Though the battery is mostly gone, the rock-hewn ditch and some foundations offer a glimpse into the island's military past.

A brief summary to Bugibba Battery

  • XC36+5J5, St Paul's Bay, MT

Local tips

  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views and great photo opportunities.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historical structures.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in the main square of Bugibba, head towards the seafront promenade. Walk straight down towards the coast. Continue along the promenade until you reach the Bugibba Waterpark. From there, take a right onto Triq il-Lokk. Follow this road uphill until you reach a junction. Take a left onto Triq il-Korp Tal-Pijunieri and continue straight. After a few minutes, you will see signs directing you to Bugibba Battery which is located on the coastal cliffs. No costs are incurred when walking.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Bugibba Battery using public transportation, head to the nearest bus stop in St. Paul's Bay. Look for bus routes 45, 48, or 250, which connect various parts of the area to Bugibba. Board the bus and ride until you reach the Bugibba bus terminus. From the terminus, it's a short walk towards the seafront. Head southwest on Triq il-Luzzu and then turn left onto Triq San Pawl. The Bugibba Battery is located at XC36+5J5 and is easily identifiable near the coast. The bus fare is approximately €1.50 - €3 for a single journey.

  • Car

    If you are traveling by car, start from the center of St. Paul's Bay. Navigate towards Triq Sant' Anton, then turn onto Triq il-Luzzu. Continue straight until you reach the roundabout. Take the third exit onto Triq San Pawl, which will lead you towards Bugibba. Follow the signs for Bugibba and keep an eye out for the waterfront. As you approach the coast, look for the Bugibba Battery located at XC36+5J5. Parking is available nearby, but it may incur a fee of around €1 to €3 per hour.

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Discover more about Bugibba Battery

Bugibba Battery, also known as Elbene Battery, was constructed in the 18th century by the Order of St. John as part of a network of coastal defenses around Malta. The battery was strategically positioned in Bugibba, within the limits of St. Paul's Bay. Sources suggest it was built either around 1715-1716 or between 1747 and 1784. It formed part of a series of fortifications protecting St. Paul's Bay, with Wignacourt Tower to the southwest and Qawra Tower to the northeast. While the battery no longer stands, remnants of its rock-hewn ditch and foundations are still visible. Historically, it featured a semi-circular gun platform with a parapet and a blockhouse at the rear, surrounded by a seawater-filled ditch. Today, the site provides a tangible link to Malta's military history and offers scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The remains are listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. Located in the popular tourist resort of Bugibba, the battery is easily accessible and close to local shops and restaurants.

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