Post of Castile

Castle in Birgu

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pygar1954

The Post of Castile, located on the eastern side of Birgu's fortifications, stands as one of the city's most storied strongholds and a vital link to Malta's heroic past. Built in 1553, it was named after the Langue of Castille, one of the divisions of the Spanish Knights Hospitaller, who were responsible for its construction and defense. Strategically positioned to guard against attacks from the Santa Margherita Heights, Kalkara, and the approaches to the Grand Harbour, this bastion was a cornerstone of Birgu's outer defenses. Its formidable design and elevated position made it both a lookout and a bulwark, capable of repelling enemy advances. However, it was during the Great Siege of 1565 that the Post of Castile cemented its place in Maltese history as a site of extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

Throughout the siege, the bastion came under relentless bombardment from the Ottoman artillery, which targeted it from multiple directions. The defenders endured continuous cannon fire until a direct hit breached the wall, creating a gaping hole that allowed enemy troops to storm the defenses. Amidst the chaos, the situation grew desperate as the attackers pressed forward into the city. But a decisive counter-attack led personally by Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette turned the tide. Rallying his knights and Maltese militia, La Valette fought on the front lines, successfully driving the Ottomans back through the breach. Though the victory saved Birgu from collapse, the Grand Master was wounded in the leg and had to be treated at the Sacra Infermeria. In tribute to this defining moment, the spot where the wall was broken became known as “Il-Prexxa”, meaning “the breach,” a permanent reminder of the city's near fall and miraculous salvation.

Architecturally, the Post of Castile was a masterpiece of early modern military engineering. It was enclosed by a hornwork — an outer fortification designed to provide layered defense — and surrounded by a protective ditch to impede enemy advances. The structure also featured caponiers, enclosed passageways that allowed defenders to fire safely upon attackers attempting to cross the ditch. Inside, a tunnel system connected the bastion to other defensive positions and storage rooms, enabling quick movement of troops and supplies during sieges. The fort was equipped with ammunition stores and supply depots, ensuring that its defenders could hold out even under prolonged assault. Every aspect of its design reflected the Order's blend of tactical precision and architectural brilliance.

Centuries later, during World War II, the Post of Castile once again served as a place of refuge and protection. Its underground tunnels and storerooms were converted into air-raid shelters, safeguarding the citizens of Birgu during the bombing campaigns that struck the Grand Harbour area. Today, the bastion remains one of the most evocative sites in Malta's military landscape — a silent witness to both the Knights' valor and the resilience of the Maltese people. Standing on its walls, visitors can look across the harbor and imagine the roar of cannons, the clash of steel, and the steadfast defense that earned Birgu its enduring title: Vittoriosa — the Victorious City.

The Post of Castile appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Birgu!

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