It is one of only two remaining batteries on Gozo, out of the original five built by the Order of Saint John.
The battery was uniquely designed with a semi-circular front and two flanking arms to maximize coverage of the bay.
The structure was built during the era when Malta's defense strategy shifted from purely land-based to an integrated coastal defense system.
The name 'Qolla l-Bajda' translates to 'White Hill', referring to the specific geological formation where the battery is perched.
The site was once considered for restoration and reuse as a private commercial venue, leading to controversial structural modifications in the late 20th century.
Qolla l-Bajda Battery is an 18th-century coastal fortification located on the northern coastline of Gozo, Malta, between Marsalforn and Xwejni Bay. Commissioned by the Order of Saint John under Grand Master Perellos in 1715, it served as part of a defensive network to protect the bay from maritime invasions. The structure features a semi-circular gun platform with a defensive wall, a blockhouse, and a ditch carved into the surrounding rock. It is one of the few surviving examples of its kind, though much of the original masonry has suffered from coastal erosion and human neglect over the centuries. The site overlooks the Xwejni salt pans, which are historically significant cultural landscape features in the immediate vicinity.
From the coastal path looking back at the battery with the Xwejni salt pans and the Mediterranean Sea in the background.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes as the terrain around the battery is uneven and rocky.
Bring sun protection, as the site is fully exposed to coastal winds and lacks natural shade.
Combine your visit with a walk along the Xwejni salt pans, which are a short distance away.
Do not attempt to enter the interior blockhouse if signage indicates structural instability, as the site is not actively maintained for safety.
Practice 'leave no trace' principles; do not climb on the fragile historical masonry or remove any rock fragments.
