Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of the Maltese islands (58)

This is one of seven underground flour mills constructed by the British Military Services during the Cold War period (1950s) as part of the civil defence measures in order to keep the population provided with bread. These mills were constructed as a contingency measure against Malta being affected by potential nuclear attack within the Mediterranean region by the Soviet Bloc.

For security and safety, the mills were built deep underground. In view of this, the mill has no aesthetic or architectural décor but has high engineering merit as can be seen by the fact that with minor repairs, two of these mills are now functional and have been opened as tourist attractions, namely in Xemxija and Xlendi.

The “aestethic” quality is in its awesome visual impression of such large and complex underground space, as well as the colour-coded machinery that adds visual interest.

This mill which is located in Misraħ Ċentawra in San Ġwann is occasionally used for public events in the locality.

Mepa scheduled the underground flour mill as a Grade 1 national monument as per Government notice 1225 dated December 10, 2010.