When one looks at this building and observes its architectural detailing and the use of rusticated stone, one immediately associates it with military activity. At roof level one can notice a turret reached by a vertical ladder attached to the wall. This building is not a Semaphore but possibly an observation post which was used during World War II.
Aerial photography shows two circular platforms, one larger than the other, in the field next to the building. What was the purpose of these platforms?
This building is located at the highest point of Zejtun which is 60m above mean sea level and only a few metres away from the Old Parish Church (St Gregory’s). From this point one has good views of St Thomas Bay and of Marsaxlokk Bay. Some two kilometers away from this site, along the Ghaxaq By-pass, one finds another building which, at first glance resembles this one. This is known as it-Turretta and was used as a Semaphore station built by the British Services in 1848 to house a communication system which was used as an early telegraphy system. There are two other two similar buildings which were used as Semaphore stations, one at Gharghur and another one at Nadur, Gozo.
The two circular platforms found in the field next to this building could have been used as cannon platforms. This building seems to have been built well before World War II and possibly was used during the same war. One should consider this building in the context of its location and the nearby barracks known as Il-Fortizza ta’ Santa Marija, found at Triq Xrobb il-Għaġin.
PLAKKASTORJA 