Della Grazie Battery

Della Grazie Battery (Il-Batterija tal-Grazzja), also known as Xgħajra Battery (Il-Batterija tax-Xgħajra), 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 is currently managed and maintained under an agreement with the Xgħajra Scout Group. The restoration of the battery is being funded by the Group's finances and fundraising efforts. In the near future, the Scout's plan is to fully restore the battery and open it to the public.

The Xgħajra Scout Group has established a subcommittee called "At the Fort." This initiative was conceived to gradually revitalise the Delle Grazie battery. The 'At the Fort' committee is dedicated to meticulously planning and executing events that allow the public to visit and explore the fort. The proceeds from these events support the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the battery.

Gallery
The gallery below shows views on an anti-clockwise tour of the exterior of the fort. The rear section of the left hand ditch and the right half or the rear ditch are private property and inaccessible to photograph.