A general overview of the fortifications in the locality of Mellieha

Abstract

More often than not throughout there long history, the main threat to the Maltese islands has come from across the sea. The appearance of sails on the horizon frequently meant pillage, death and slavery. The sole refuge afforded to the inhabitants were the few fortified towns and an ever-constant vigilance. The need for a reliable system to warn of approaching danger meant that many places along the coastline, particularly the secluded and vulnerable landing sites along the northern shores of the island, had to be watched continually. Amongst such places were the bays and inlets of Mellieha and the Fliegu.