One of my favourite walks with my dogs is that in Wied id-Dis and Wied Pisuella. I happened to decide to go further last week and I came across an abandoned building whose gate was open, and thus I went in to explore and feel the history in my veins while taking photos.
Little did I know that this is the Għargħur High-Angle Battery, which was tackled in an article by Times of Malta back in 2020. This battery lies tucked away in a peaceful country lane leading from the access road to the village of Għargħur which leads to the picturesque and meditative valleys mentioned above.
Times of Malta explains: “The complex formed an integral part of the defences of the eastern segment of the Victoria Lines although they are situated about one kilometre behind the infantry line and on the reverse slope of Ġebel San Pietru. It is bounded by a low perimeter wall abutting on the lane, with a guard room at the entrance gate built in the rusticated style typical of British military buildings in Malta.
There are barrack rooms, stores and a battery command post built in the same style close to the entrance. The guns were situated at the rear of the complex trained to fire as Howitzers lobbing shells over the ridge at targets down in the Magħtab and Burmarrad plains below the Victoria Lines and the northeast coastline. The trajectory of the shells would be over part of Għargħur village and Ġebel San Pietru heights, today popularly referred to as ‘Top of the World’.” After the war, the facility had served as a residence for leprosy patients. You can read more detailed and informative information about it in the Times of Malta’s article.
Times of Malta was right to state “The complex now lies abandoned and, although the buildings themselves do not show any obvious external signs of decay, the entire site is showing signs of gross neglect. Għargħur local council might look at the possibility of finding some practical use for this complex such as a countryside location for youth organisations like the Boy Scouts or Girl Guides in the same way as Tarġa Battery on the outskirts of Mosta was turned into a site for such a good purpose.” Or maybe the authorities would like to turn it into a retreat place for the Maltese people or something beneficial for students, youths and families – any project will do as long as it does not destroy the peace and sacredness of the area, besides the private farms and farmhouses in the vicinity.
It felt magical for me to be present in this place. There is one particular tree which I ask not to be removed as it is majestic.
This island was much more beautiful until progress, greed, corruption and evil agendas of the soulless started turning it into a shithole. Please don’t take me wrong. In no way am I stating that my country is ugly but I am sure one can understand that there is a stark contrast from how it looked, up until twenty years ago to now, and the more peaceful lifestyle it gave before in contrast to now. The corrupt do not understand that money and progress do not give you life, happiness and peace which are an asset for the well-being of the soul of the people.
Here are the photos which I took.
The battery unfortunately has a mini-Magħtab surrounding its wall:
This is the majestic tree which adorns the battery with its presence:
