The fortification of Santa Margherita lines or as they are also known Firenzuola Lines were built in the 17th century to safeguard the cities of Birgu and Senglea. The city of Cospicua was founded in the 18th century within the Santa Margherita and the Cottonera Lines. The first stone of the Santa Margherita Lines was laid on 30th December 1638 by Grand Master Giovanni Paolo Lascaris and they were designed by Vincenzo Maculano de Firenzuola. The Santa Margherita lines have been on Malta’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1998, as part of the knights’ Fortifications around the Harbours of Malta.
- Fortifications ·