Floriana Lines

Floriana Lines
Is-Swar tal-Furjana
Floriana, Malta
San Salvatore Bastion and Counterguard
Map of the Floriana Lines
Floriana
Coordinates	35°53′26″N 14°30′8″E / 35.89056°N 14.50222°E / 35.89056; 14.50222
Type	Line of fortifications
Site information
Owner	Government of Malta
Condition	Mostly intact
Site history
Built	1636–18th century
Built by	Order of Saint John
In use	1640–20th century
Materials	Limestone
Battles/wars	Siege of Malta (1798–1800)

The Floriana Lines (Maltese: Is-Swar tal-Furjana) are a line of fortifications in Floriana, Malta, which surround the fortifications of Valletta and form the capital city's outer defences. Construction of the lines began in 1636 and they were named after the military engineer who designed them, Pietro Paolo Floriani. The Floriana Lines were modified throughout the course of the 17th and 18th centuries, and they saw use during the French blockade of 1798–1800. Today, the fortifications are still largely intact but rather dilapidated and in need of restoration.

The Floriana Lines are considered to be among the most complicated and elaborate of the Hospitaller fortifications of Malta. Since 1998, they have been on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as part of the Knights' Fortifications around the Harbours of Malta.

The city of Valletta was founded on 28 March 1566 by Jean de Valette, the Grand Master of the Order of St. John. The city occupied about half the Sciberras Peninsula, a large promontory separating the Grand Harbour from Marsamxett Harbour, and was protected by tracce italiane fortifications, including a land front with four bastions, two cavaliers and a deep ditch. Although these fortifications were well designed, by the early 17th century they were not strong enough to resist a large attack due to new technological developments which increased the range of artillery.