The Kalkara enceinte is the oldest
part of the Birgu fortifications and comprises that part of the walls spanning from
the Hornwork of the Post of Castile all the way to the moat of Fort St. Angelo.
These ramparts form an irregular trace of walls laid out mostly on the
principle of a tortuous tenaille trace of low curtains and small artillery
platforms which originally ran along the edge of the shore inside the creek.
These relatively low walls depended largely on the sea for their protection and
contained two small sallyports. Adjoining these ramparts are a number of
historic buildings dating from the period, such as the old Knights’ hospital,
and the slaves’ prison. The ERDF 039 project has sought to restore the consumed
masonry fabric of the bastions and walls and repair those elements neglected
over time.