Bastion of the Knights of Malta

Lamezia Terme, Italy

The Bastion of the Knights of Malta is a massive, well-preserved watchtower built in 1550 by the Spanish viceroy of Naples Pedro de Toledo. It was assigned to the Knights, who had a fief in the neighbourhood. Ruins of several other watchtowers are in the area.

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1550
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

Rating

3.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Dan Man (6 months ago)
People complaining they can’t go inside are the equivalent of people complaining they can’t touch the Mona Lisa
Anka M. (3 years ago)
Why is such a great historic place so totally neglected?
Cesare Lanza (3 years ago)
Such a beautiful ancient building, totally abandoned to incury.
bakunin cupelli (4 years ago)
Beautiful
Abdullah shaker عبدالله شاكر (6 years ago)
The Bastion of Malta differs from most of the other South coastal towers for the thickness of its walls, that makes it suitable for defense against attacks with firearms. The construction of the tower dates back to 1550, by the will of the Viceroy of Naples Pedro Toledo against the incursions of the Saracens. The building was given to the Knights of Malta, a fief holders in nearby St. Eufemia Gulf. The Bastion has a compact structure, based on a truncated pyramid with a square tower, divided into four large rooms with vaulted ceilings. Inside the battlements and parapet, large terrace, on which stand three smaller rooms. On the east there is the emblem with shield of the Balì, Signorino Gattinara, with the inscription that gives him credit for having equipped the Bastion of "war machines" (1634). The exceptional state of preservation is due to the solidity of the structure and work of maintenance of the various owners.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Temple of Edfu

The Temple of Edfu is one of the best preserved ancient shrines in Egypt. It was built in the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC.

Edfu was one of several temples built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, including the Dendera Temple complex, Esna, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae. Its size reflects the relative prosperity of the time. The present temple initially consisted of a pillared hall, two transverse halls, and a barque sanctuary surrounded by chapels. The building was started during the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes and completed in 57 BC under Ptolemy XII Auletes. It was built on the site of an earlier, smaller temple also dedicated to Horus, although the previous structure was oriented east–west rather than north–south as in the present site.