Inside Marsamxett harbour, the inlet which once sheltered the Turkish Armada during the Great Siege of 1565, lies a small leaf-shaped island previously known as the "Izoletto" or "Bishop's Island". Its strategic value was noted during the 16th century due to the potential threat that it posed to the western flank of the new city of Valletta. However, it was not until 1723 that work on a fort was finally initiated. Denying any attacking force access to the island became crucial, with the development of artillery's strength and range.
Construction works began on 14 September 1723, when the foundation stone was laid with due ceremony in the presence of the Portuguese Grand Master Fra Antonio Manoel de Vilhena. The final design of the fort incorporated the work of Knight Rene' Jacob de Tigne' with alterations made by the Order's resident engineer, Charles Francois de Mondion. The new fort was to be square in shape, with four bastions and two cavaliers. Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena had offered to pay for the fort and to establish a special fund, the Manoel Foundation, to provide for its garrison and on-going maintenance. In acknowledgement of his benefaction the fort was named "Manoel".
Once the project was under way, progress was swift. By 1727, the outer wall, cavaliers and the main sea-facing gateway were complete. The ditch was fully excavated by 1732, and a year later the chapel, dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, the barrack blocks, governor's residence, artillery magazines and countermines were also completed. Inside the fort, the space was occupied by a large splendid "piazza", or parade ground, commanding excellent views of the Marsamxett harbour area. A bronze statue of Grand Master de Vilhena, one of Malta's finest statues, once stood proudly on a marble plinth in the centre of this piazza.
The new square-shaped fort was in full active military use by 1734 and was considered as one of the best completed fortifications of its time. Fra Charles de Mondion, the project's supervisor, had died unexpectedly in 1733 and was laid to rest in the small crypt beneath the chapel. His spirit lives on in the elegant geometry of his splendid Baroque construction.
To commemorate the 300th anniversary of the foundation of Fort Manoel, MaltaPost is issuing a miniature sheet, with a denomination of 3, portraying an aerial image of the fort and a stamp with a close-up view of the baroque chapel of St. Anthony of Padua. Both paintings are the work of local artist Andrew Micallef.
