The Fortress Builders (Fortifications
Interpretation Centre) is housed in a large sixteenth-century warehouse
situated near Biagio Steps at the farther end of St Mark Street, in Valletta. The
building was chosen largely for its vast interior spaces and its central
location, which is right next to St Andrew's Bastion, thereby providing a
direct access to Valletta's ramparts. The creation of the Centre also provided
an opportunity for the rehabilitation of this historic structure which had lain
derelict for many decades years while the uppermost floor, level with Melita
Street, had been demolished during the Second World War and never rebuilt.
Little is known about this
majestic building itself, with its imposing, if somewhat, sombre and plain
façade. Escutcheons with the coat of arms of Grand Master Hugues Loubenx de
Verdalle fixed on the main façade suggest that it was constructed, or
completed, sometime during the rule of this French Grand Master (reigned
1581-1595). Located close to Marsamxett Gate (one of the three main gateways
into Valletta - unfortunately no longer standing), it appears to have been
constructed as some form of bombproof magazine for the storage of merchandise off-loaded
from the ships and other vessels berthed in Marsamxett Harbour. It eventually
served as a barracks during the early British period and was later used as an
examination hall for a number of years.
Among the important qualities which
helped influence the choice of the building as a Fortifications Interpretation
Centre was its location which, close to St Andrew's Bastion, placed it on an central
access route into Valletta from Marsamxett harbour while at the same time providing
direct access to the city's main bastioned enceinte. The site also offers excellent
panoramic views of Fort Manoel and Fort Tigné as well as the sea walls skirting
the northern flank of the city.
The restoration and conversion of
the building into an information centre involved a number of interventions aimed
at the rehabilitation of the derelict historical structure and its adaptation
into a public centre. From the start of the project, an ecological design was favoured,
unvolving minimal interventions and making use of traditional materials.
Environmental sustainability was given prominence with the introduction of PV
panels, the limited use of air-conditioning, and the enhancement of natural
ventilation.