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Exploring Għajn Tuffieħa's World War II Sites
Exploring Għajn Tuffieħa's World War II Sites
October is the perfect month for a bit of exploration combined with a refreshing dip in the sea as the Island begins to cool off slowly after the long hot summer months. Andrew Galea heads to Ghajn Tuffieha in hopes of discovering historical World War II sites around the area
One of the great things about going for a walk and a swim in Malta is that you’re guaranteed to run into plenty of WW2 sites. So as you keep your family and friends happy by setting off on a little seaside adventure, you will also be getting your history fix with plenty of World War Two sites to discover along the way. The area/beach I will showcase in this article is Ghajn Tuffieha, also known as Riviera; a beautiful natural setting.
Before you actually walk down to the beach, on the crest of the nearby hill, you will see something that looks like a stone reservoir with a building close by. This is a WW2 anti-aircraft search light and listening post for an early sound locator.
Remains of search light post
Photo: Andrew Galea
Further along from the car park next to the 16th century watch tower is a pillbox and searchlight that would have covered the beach from the clifftop.
There is also what used to be another beach search light post near the entrance to the beach from the road, but sadly, all what is left of that is a concrete ruin just about standing.
Having walked down the many stairs, it’s time for a swim. Make sure you take a mask with you as in the sea, on both sides of the Bay, there are anti invasion pyramids still in position under the water. During the war, these two lines of concrete pyramids would have a metal rod coming out of the top to stop landing crafts from coming in.
Finally, pop round to the beach restaurant for a drink or a bite to eat; the last structure you are actually standing on is an early pillbox with two slits, one pointing out and the other crossing the beach. The makes for the perfect sunset spot.
Pill box close to the old watch tower
Photo: Andrew Galea
Anti-invasion obstacles on seabed
Photo: Andrew Galea
Be careful as there can be strong currents here. The World War Two structures are old and the cliffs are slowly crumbling so it can also be very dangerous.
For more information on Malta’s World War Two heritage, vitist @WW2sitesMalta on Facebook.
