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St. Anthony's Battery

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Historical site
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St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)

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St. Anthony's Battery, also known as It-Trunċiera, is a coastal fortification in Qala, Gozo, built between 1731 and 1732. Designed by the French military engineer Charles François de Mondion, it was part of a chain of coastal defenses commissioned by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. The battery features a semi-circular gun platform and a blockhouse at the rear, designed to house a garrison and gunpowder. Historically, it was armed with seven guns ranging from 6-pounders to 18-pounders to protect the channel between Gozo and Comino. Over time, the structure fell into disrepair, but it underwent a comprehensive restoration project by Din l-Art Ħelwa starting in 2007. This battery is one of the few remaining examples on the islands that retains its original layout and architectural integrity. It stands as a testament to the military engineering of the Order of Saint John in the 18th century.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The battery is a historical fortification that is usually open to visitors. Access is via a small entrance, and entry is generally free.
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Typical hours
Opening hours usually follow daylight hours; in winter it may close earlier. On holidays, the site is often closed; inquire locally.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed within the site; flash should be avoided. From the walls, there is a good view of the channel between Gozo and Comino.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes to explore the site. If you want to study the history of the fortification, you can plan an hour.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby ferry to Comino or a trip to the Blue Lagoon. The town of Mġarr on Gozo is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
The battery is located on the north coast of Gozo and is reachable by car or taxi. A small path leads from the parking to the entrance; the last meters are on foot.
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Insider tip
Bring binoculars to observe birds and ships in the channel. A visit in the late morning provides the best light for coastal photos.

Geography

Coordinates
36.02670, 14.33110

Facts

  • St. Anthony's Battery was constructed between 1731 and 1732 for coastal defense.
  • The fortification was designed by the renowned military architect Charles François de Mondion.
  • In its operational prime, the battery was equipped with seven heavy iron cannons.
  • The site was specifically positioned to command the North Comino Channel.
  • A major restoration effort by the NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa was initiated in 2007.
  • The structure includes a well-preserved blockhouse and a rock-cut ditch for protection.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ħondoq ir-RummienĦondoq ir-Rummien<1 km · WExplore →
Blue Lagoon (Comino)Blue Lagoon (Comino)1 km · SExplore →
Ta' Kenuna TowerTa' Kenuna Tower3 km · NWExplore →
Fort ChambrayFort Chambray3 km · WExplore →
San Blas BaySan Blas Bay4 km · NWExplore →
Cirkewwa Ferry TerminalCirkewwa Ferry Terminal4 km · SExplore →
GħajnsielemGħajnsielem5 km · WExplore →
Dreams of Horses Farm (Gozo)Dreams of Horses Farm (Gozo)5 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Anthony's Battery (10)

Saint Anthony's Battery

Gun battery built 1731-1732 to guard the channel between Gozo and Comino.

Ħondoq ir-Rummien

Beach with salt pans and caves, popular for snorkeling and diving.

Santa Marija Reef Dive Site

Dive site at a reef off the coast of Comino.

Immaculate Conception Chapel

Chapel in Malta, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.

Santa Marija Caves Dive Site

Dive through caves on the Comino coast.

Chapel of Our Lady's Return from Egypt

Church on Comino, Malta, dedicated to Mary's return from Egypt.

Blue Lagoon

Lagoon between Comino and Cominotto with clear turquoise water.

Immaculate Conception and Saint Joseph

Parish church of Qala on Gozo, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and Saint Joseph.

Saint Mary Tower🗼 tower

Wignacourt Tower, a square watchtower from the 17th century on Comino.

Saint Mary's Gun Battery

18th-century gun battery on Comino.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was St. Anthony's Battery built?
It was built in 1731 by the Order of St. John for coastal defense.
Where is the battery located?
On the eastern tip of Gozo, near the village of Qala.
Is it open to the public?
Yes, it has been restored and can usually be visited.
What can you see there?
Historical gun emplacements and a great view of Comino.
How do you get there?
Best by car via an unpaved road from Qala.
St. Anthony's Battery: where is it located?
St. Anthony's Battery is located in Malta.
St. Anthony's Battery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Anthony's Battery, Ħondoq ir-Rummien, Santa Marija Reef Dive Site.
St. Anthony's Battery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
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Nearby cities

Għajnsielem — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Għajnsielem
Għajnsielem is the first village seen by visitors to Gozo as it overlooks Mġarr Harbour, the arrival point of the ferry from Malta.
Marsalforn — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Marsalforn
Marsalforn is the most popular resort in Gozo, known for its vibrant promenade, restaurants, and salt pans.
Kerċem — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Kerċem
Kerċem is a village to the west of Victoria, situated in the picturesque Lunzjata Valley, and known for its rural environment.
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
A pristine sandy beach reached via a long flight of stairs, known for its rugged and natural beauty.
Għasri — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
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Għasri is the smallest village in Gozo, known for the secluded, fjord-like Wied il-Għasri and the Giordan Lighthouse.
Wied il-Mielah — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
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A spectacular natural limestone arch on the northern coast of Gozo island.
Dwejra — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Dwejra
A spectacular natural area on Gozo featuring the Inland Sea, the Blue Hole, and the historic site of the Azure Window.

History & landmarks

Ħondoq ir-Rummien — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Ħondoq ir-Rummien
A small cove with crystal clear water directly facing Comino.
Ta&#39; Kenuna Tower — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Ta' Kenuna Tower
A former semaphore telegraph tower with panoramic views.
San Blas Bay — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
San Blas Bay
A secluded bay with characteristic red sand.
Marsalforn Salt Pans — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Marsalforn Salt Pans
Centuries-old salt pans carved into the coastal rock.
Xlendi Bay — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Xlendi Bay
A fjord-like bay surrounded by high cliffs.
Sarraflu Pond — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Sarraflu Pond
A rare natural freshwater pond on Gozo.

Nature

Blue Lagoon (Comino) — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Blue Lagoon (Comino)
Famous for its crystal clear, turquoise water.
Coral Lagoon (Malta) — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Coral Lagoon (Malta)
A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.
Qammieh Point — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.
Ta&#39; Duna Hill — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Ta' Duna Hill
A small hill on Gozo near Xagħra.
Wied il-Mielaħ Window (Gozo) — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Wied il-Mielaħ Window (Gozo)
A natural rock arch on the coast, similar to the collapsed Azure Window.
Victoria Lines Fault — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.
Fomm ir-Riħ Bay — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Fomm ir-Riħ Bay
A secluded and hard-to-reach bay with dramatic cliffs and clear water.

More places

Fort Chambray — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Fort Chambray
A fortified city overlooking Mġarr Harbour.
Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal
The ferry terminal on the northernmost point of Malta for services to Gozo.
Dreams of Horses Farm (Gozo) — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Dreams of Horses Farm (Gozo)
A rescue farm for horses and other animals, offering therapeutic activities.
Kunserva Factory (Gozo) — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Kunserva Factory (Gozo)
A major producer of 'Kunserva', a traditional Maltese tomato paste.
Ta&#39; Ċenċ Plateau — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Ta' Ċenċ Plateau
An extensive plateau in the south of Gozo.
Il-Qortin Ridge — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Il-Qortin Ridge
A narrow ridge located northeast of Mellieħa.
Ghadira Nature Reserve — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
Ghadira Nature Reserve
An important bird sanctuary and wetland, especially during bird migration seasons.
Gozo 3D Cinema (Citadel) — St. Anthony's Battery (Malta)
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A cinema in the Gozo Citadel showing a 3D film about the island's history.