Della Grazie Battery

Della Grazie Battery, also known as Xgħajra Battery, is an artillery battery in Xgħajra, Malta. It was built by the British between 1888 and 1893. The battery stands above the shore to the east of Grand Harbour, between Fort Saint Rocco and Fort Saint Leonardo. It is currently being used by the Xgħajra Scout Group as their main headquarters and campsite, and part of it is used as the town hall for Xgħajra.

History

Construction of the battery started in October 1888 and was completed in March 1893, at a cost of £16,344. It was constructed to take advantage of the improved breech loading guns then coming into service. It was equipped with two 6 inch and two 10 inch breech loading guns in disappearing mounts.
The installation takes the form of a polygonal fort, irregular hexagonal in plan, with two caponiers defending the forward ditches. Access to the fort is via a gatehouse and causeway across the rear ditch.
The battery takes its name from the much earlier Wignacourt tower, the Santa Maria delle Grazie Tower that stood close to the present battery. The tower was demolished to clear the field of fire of the present battery.
The battery was abandoned in 1910 and its guns were removed. However, in World War II the battery was used as a coastal defence search light battery. At this time some structures were added to accommodate the searchlights.

Present day

The battery's management and upkeep are currently overseen through an agreement with the . The group is financing the battery's restoration through its own funds and various fundraising activities. The Scouts aim to completely refurbish the battery and eventually open it to the public.
The Xgħajra Scout Group has formed a subcommittee named "At the Fort" to progressively rejuvenate the Delle Grazie battery. The 'At the Fort' committee meticulously organizes events that invite the public to visit and learn about the fort, with all proceeds contributing to the battery's continuous restoration and maintenance.