|
Xlendi Tower (( マルタ語:Torri tax-Xlendi)) is a small watchtower near Xlendi Bay, within the limits of Munxar on the island of Gozo in Malta. The tower is one of the Lascaris towers and dates to 1650; it is currently undergoing restoration. It is the oldest of the four surviving watchtowers on Gozo. Two earlier towers, Garzes Tower and Marsalforn Tower were destroyed in the 18th and 19th centuries. ==History== The tower was proposed in 1649 by the Baliff Baldassare de Demandolx. Construction began soon after, and it was complete by June 1650. The cost of construction was paid by the Università of Gozo. The tower is rectangular and its design is similar but not the same as that of the earlier Lascaris towers on Malta. Unlike the earlier Lascaris towers, Xlendi Tower has an additional platform with a slope to its base on the seaward side. It has a flat roof, where guns were mounted. Initially it held two 6-pounder guns, which were later replaced by two 4-pounder guns. Entrance to the tower is via an external flight of stairs that connects to the only doorway, which is situated on the second floor. Originally, the tower was under the command of a ''Capomastro'', assisted by a bombardier, and an ''Aggiutante'', all of whom were paid by the Università. At night, three men manned the tower. Salt pans are located close to the tower. By 1681 it was already in poor condition, needing renovation. During the British era the tower fell under the responsibility of the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment (1815–1861), which became the Royal Malta Fencible Artillery (1861–81). When the Fencible Artillery was relieved of its coastal watch duties in 1873, the tower was abandoned.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.visitgozo.com/en/item/sight-seeing-places-of-interest/xlendi-tower-1131/ )〕 During World War II, the Coast Police manned the tower as an observation post. In 1954 the tower was leased to private persons but eventually it was abandoned. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Xlendi Tower」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|