“A fortress doesn’t fall unless its towers are weakened.”
– S. R. Crawford, Bloodstained Betrayal (Source: goodreads dot com)
The picture shown above was published in THE HINDU newspaper’s weekend supplement two years ago. I had kept the supplement with me for reference. The picture shows one of the well known landmark or tourist spot in Malta.
Known as ‘Vedette’ (from French vedette) or ‘Gardjola’ in Maltese language, it is a mounted observation post protruding from the bastion at Senglea in Malta. It offers a 360 degree view of the Grand Harbour at Valletta, which is just opposite to Senglea.
Vedette at Senglea on a Picture Postcard
Sculpted on the vedette are two eyes, two ears, and a crane bird; symbolizing alertness and watchfulness. A Latin inscription on the vedette says that the people in the city can live in peace as this post stands on guard night and day for any intruder who dares to approach the Maltese shores.
During Word War II, the vedette at Senglea bastion was dismantled and reconstructed later. Today, it is part of a public garden and the place is popularly known as the Senglea point.
First Malta Stamp on Vedette
Like the vedette at Senglea, there are several such watch-posts in all forts that were constructed by the Knights of Malta. These vedettes are constructed at strategic points and offer sweeping views of the surrounding environment.
I am sharing here Malta philatelic items that show the vedette. The stamp shown above is the first stamp that shows the vedette at Senglea and it was issued during Queen Elizabeth period in 1956.
Picture Postcard of Fort St. Angelo at Birgu in Malta, with Vedette (red-highlighted)
A Pictorial Machine Cancellation showing the Vedette on an Aerogramme (left) and the actual design (right)
Shown above is a pictorial machine cancellation that was issued in 1957. The Vedette is red-highlighted for easy identification. The slogan in the pictorial cancellation reads, “Spend Carnival Time in Malta 28th – 30th April”.
Vedette on the First Day Cover issued in 1961
Definitive Stamp issued in 1965 (left) and in 1972 (right)
The above stamp issued in 1965 was part of the first definitive series after Malta Independence in 1964. It was reissued with the new decimal currency in 1972.
Aerogramme Letter with the Vedette stamp printed on it
Stamp issued in 1966 shows the Vedette on the left
The following stamp was issued as part of the definitive series with the new decimal currency in 1973. The stamps shows the boats crossing the vedette. On Victory Day (Sep 8) the annual boat festival (Regatta) is conducted.
Boats participating in Regatta crossing the Vedette
The 24th Chess Olympiad happened at Valletta in Nov-Dec, 1980 and three stamps were issued to commemorate the event. One stamp among the three shows the Vedette:
Chess Olympiad stamp shows the Vedette
The 1981 definitive series of 16 stamps showed the history of Maltese industries. One stamp in the series on ship building and repairing showed the Vedette:
Enlarged portion of the 1981 stamp showing the Vedette
The 1991 definitive series had one stamps showing the Vedette (red-highlighted) at the St. Michael’s Bastion at Valletta:
Vedette at St. Michael’s Bastion (Valletta)
Middle Sea Race stamp showing the Vedette
The above stamp is part of a three stamps series that was issued in 2003 to commemorate the various sailing competitions held at Valletta.
One stamp in the Naval Vessels series issued in 2006 showed the Vedette:
Vedette on the left in Naval Vessels stamp
2009 stamp shows a cruise ship crossing the Vedette
2014 stamps shows a naval ship crossing the Vedette
2015 stamps shows Regatta boats crossing the Vedette
A 2016 miniature sheet showing the Vedette on the left (red-highlighted)
There are several watchtowers across the fortress island of Malta. Some are independent standalone watch towers at isolated locations and were crucial in keeping the islands defended during 17-18 centuries. However, the vedette at Senglea point has its own attractions.
Hope you enjoyed reading this post. Please provide your valuable feedback in the comments section.
Ravi Writes 