Mellieha.com

Louvier Entrenchment

The Feast

The Louvier entrenchment is the most interesting entrenchment built at Mellieha. It includes also embrasure for four cannons. A large part of the entrenchment is in a good state and is one of the best preserved in the whole Islands. However, it has to be conserved too.

Louvier entrenchment is found at Armier. This entrenchment was built in the early 1760s under the supervision of Bailli de Tigne. Louvier entrenchment also formed part of the ambitious plan of Bourlamaque of surrounding the Maltese islands with entrenchments. Only a small fraction of the proposed entrenchments to be built in Mellieha on the coast facing Comino were actually built, that is in the areas from Cirkewwa to the White Tower. 1

It consists of a bastioned enceinte with a front of two demi-bastions linked by a curtain of wall. In the west demi-bastion overlooking Barriera Redoubt there are four embrasures which were used for the artillery. The Hospitallers also attempted to excavate a ditch in front of the entrenchment but was abandoned, probably due to lack of finances. 2

We have to bear in mind that Bourlamaque plan was not all implemented because of the lack of money. Therefore, the partial building of entrenchments, both Louvier and Ta’ Qassisu entrenchments serve as an answer for the lack of finances. If the Hospitallers had no lack of money that coast would have been defended well, although the Knights would encounter another problem, that is of lack of manpower.

References:
1 Stephen Spiteri. Fortresses of the Cross: Hospitaller Military Architecture (1136-1798), A Heritage Interpretation Services Publication, Malta, 1994, p 572.
2 Ibid.

Researched and Written by: Charles Debono B.A.(Hons) History

Mellieha © All Rights Reserved

In Mellieha
Mellieha Local Council

21 521333

The Parish Priest

21 523449

Mellieha Clinic

21 522316

Police - Mellieha

21 523457

Police - Qawra

21 571174 - 21 576737

Waterworks - Qawra

21 573507 - 21 583859

Maria Bambina Primary School

21 523527

General Info

Mellieha Village Festa
About Malta
Climate
Transport Information
Processions organized in Mellieha
Places of Interest in Mellieha
Advertising

Get visibility on our site

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Libero a pellentesque nisi, aliquet quam montes. Facilisi massa gravida hendrerit est eget.

    Locate Mellieha & Malta

    Mellieha, Malta - Google Map
    Malta Map Server

    About the village of Mellieha

    Mellieha is a rural village and tourist resort in the Northwestern part of Malta and derives its name from the Semitic root 'm-l-h' which in Arabic means salt. The name was probably derived from the ancient Punic and Roman salt-terns; historians indicated as lying adjacent to the large sandy bay at the foot of the village.
    Mellieha has been inhabited since early Neolithic times (3000 B.C). Several megalithic remains and tombs of this era and other primitive tools and fragments of pottery were found in various localities around this area, primarily at "il-Latnija" - a natural cavity used by several stone-age peoples - and at l-Gholja tax-Xemxija.
    During the Roman and Byzantine occupations (213B.C- 870A.D.), Mellieha's valleys were inhabited by troglodytes, who irrigated the land, adopted natural caves as their dwelling places and buried their beloved ones in Punic style burial chambers. Following the Arab conquest and during the medieval period (870-1530A.D.), the area was deserted, primarily due to the continuous raids of the Muslim corsairs.
    Notwithstanding the hardship experienced by the Maltese during the Reign of the Order of St. John (1530-1798A.D.), Mellieha's medieval chapel, dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary, was one of the most venerated places on the island. Several distinguished persons, such as grandmaster's, kings and bishops visited the shrine and pilgrimages to the sanctuary from all over the island were held frequently.
    In the late 17th century, the Knights built several fortifications along the coast, so as to protect the inhabitants. This venture brought about the gradual repopulating of the area, mainly by those who wanted to exploit the fertile valleys and the new enterprise of tunny net fishing. Under the British, in 1844, Mellieha was established again as a parish and since then it grew up into a modern town, of circa 6,500 people.
    Today, Mellieha is one of Malta's most picturesque tourist destinations. The town centre boasts of its splendid hotels, fine restaurants and traditional cute shops. It has a unique primary school, a majestic baroque church (built in late 19th century) and various cultural organizations, including band clubs, sports clubs, an orchestra, various religious societies, a parish community centre and an environmental pressure group. Since 1993, local affairs are being run by the Mellieha Local Council, an institution made up of seven councilors, elected every three years by the people.
    Mellieha's main festive season occurs in the first two weeks of September and reaches its climax on the 8th September. During these days various cultural manifestations are held, such as musical concerts, fireworks, folk singing, art exhibitions and the traditional religious procession. The town's people, ''Il-Mellehin'', are renowned for their laborious nature, their ironic sense of humour, and their friendliness and hospitality. Those who visit us, no matter where they hail from, do not merely enjoy themselves but feel at home.

    As long as Mellieha preserves its great archaeological and historic heritage, its unique natural environment, and its traditions and costumes, its people, "Il-Mellehin", can look forward to a bright future.