Santa Marija Battery Travel Guide

Located on the island of Comino, the Santa Marija Battery is a historical artillery battery built by the Order of Saint John between 1715 and 1716. The battery, also known as Comino Battery, was one of a series of coastal fortifications built around the Maltese Islands. Its purpose was to protect the South Comino Channel in conjunction with other defenses on Malta and Gozo.The battery was designed by French Engineer Philippe de Vendôme and erected at the cost of 1018 scudi. It was originally armed with two 24-pounder and four 6-pounder iron cannons. The structure features a semi-circular gun platform with eight embrasures facing the sea. A blockhouse, positioned diagonally along the land front, served as the ammunition storage and living quarters. Abandoned around 1770, the battery suffered damage over time. In 1996, Din l-Art Ħelwa, the National Trust of Malta, began restoring the site. In a joint effort with the Armed Forces of Malta and the Royal Navy, cannons were retrieved and reinstalled. Today, visitors can explore the restored battery and enjoy the views of the surrounding coastline.