Fort Tas-Silġ
Fort Tas-Silġ (formerly written as Fort Ta Silc, Maltese: Il-Fortizza tas-Silġ) is a polygonal fort in Marsaxlokk, Malta. It was built between 1879 and 1883 by the British on high ground at the shoreward end of Delimara Point, above il-Ħofra-ż-Żgħira. Its primary function was as a fire control point controlling the massed guns of Fort Delimara on the headland below.
| Fort Tas-Silġ | |
|---|---|
Il-Fortizza tas-Silġ | |
| Marsaxlokk, Malta | |
Fort Tas-Silġ | |
| Coordinates | 35°50′24″N 14°33′25″E |
| Type | Polygonal fort |
| Area | 60,000 m2 (650,000 sq ft) |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Government of Malta |
| Controlled by | The Island Sanctuary |
| Open to the public | No |
| Condition | Intact but neglected |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1879–1883 |
| Built by | British Empire |
| In use | 1883–1960 |
| Materials | Limestone and Concrete |
It was part of a chain of fortifications intended to protect Marsaxlokk Harbour, along with Fort Delimara seaward along Delimara point, the north arm of Marsaxlokk Bay, Fort San Lucian on Kbira point in the middle of the bay, Fort Benghisa on Bengħisa Point, and the Pinto and Ferretti batteries on the shores of the bay.
Approximately 300 metres north of Fort Tas-Silġ is the Saint Paul's Battery, a much smaller polygonal style fortification, that is in much worse condition.