The Maltese Islands’ history is rich and diverse, with centuries of heritage in the form of buildings and structures dating back to times gone by. Yet while many of these historic structures are preserved and well cared for, others face a sad fate, lying in ruins as they wait, in hope of their time to shine.

Once such story is that of Qolla l-Bajda Battery, an artillery battery in Żebbuġ, Gozo, which, as these photos recently posted to social media show, lies in a sad state of disrepair.  

Built by the Order of Saint John between 1715 and 1716 as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the coasts of the Maltese Islands, it is one of the last two surviving batteries on the sister isle.

But, while it retained its original layout until the late 1970s, an unexpected twist in the story of this historic building saw it converted into a discothèque and snack bar known as Rook, after the Maltese government leased it out to a Francis Vella.

During this time, major alterations were made to the battery, including structures built on the gun platform, an enlarged entrance, and the ramp leading being replaced by a flight of steps.

Sadly, it’s stint as a nightlife hotspot wasn’t to last. When the lease expired in 2003, the owners continued to occupy the battery, leading to a lengthy legal battle between the government and a private company that is ongoing to this day. 

Now abandoned, Qolla l-Bajda Battery is in a sad state of disrepair, and while NGO Din l-Art Ħelwa has shown interest in restoring it, nothing can be done until the legal battle is won.

What a sad story!

Maria Graziella Cassar via Nostalgia Malta / Facebook