Description
The Victoria Lines are a series of fortifications built by the British military between 1875 and 1899. Their defining feature is a continuous infantry wall which connects together three forts (at Bingemma, Mosta and Madliena), an entrenchment at Dwejra and a number of other gun batteries and ancillary military facilities to form a single line of defence. This is some twelve kilometres long and it follows the contour of the Great Fault, a geological feature which cuts across Malta from coast to coast; specifically from Fomm ir-Riħ in the west to Madliena in the east. Forming part of the same defensive system are also an additional fort (at Pembroke) and extensive military barracks (at Mtarfa and Pembroke).
The Victoria Lines have lain abandoned since their military significance faded more than a century ago. Nevertheless they still offer a very interesting insight into the development of fortifications in the second half of the nineteenth century and as such, form an intrinsic part of Malta’s historical heritage. They also provide some of the best vantage points from where to discover the Maltese countryside and have themselves become a striking feature within the landscape, on which they have at times a most dramatic effect. A walk along the Victoria Lines is a unique experience which reveals the striking beauty of Malta’s natural and rural landscape while offering breathtaking views.
The book includes several vintage photos, illustrations and maps. The book is part of the Insight Heritage Guides Series.
