Boom-Defence: Valletta's Historic Harbour Protector

Boom-Defence, situated at the foot of St Lazarus' Bastion near St. Elmo Bridge in Valletta, is a Grade 1 national monument with a rich history. This site was part of the Grand Harbour's boom defence system, which included a large winch that raised and lowered a metal net suspended underwater. This net was designed to protect the harbor from surface and underwater attacks.The boom defence system was assembled in 1909 during the construction of the breakwater but wasn't used until 1935 during the Abyssinian Crisis. The jetty is constructed from hard stone and reinforced concrete, equipped with metal rollers to accommodate the steel cable that held the underwater net. The complex includes a winch room built of globigerina stone, crew billets, and a turret with metal shutters that served as a lookout post or machine gun emplacement.Today, visitors can explore the area, taking in the impressive architecture and enjoying views of the harbor and Valletta. It's a serene escape from the city streets, offering a glimpse into Malta's maritime heritage.