It was built by the Order of Saint John in 1714–1716 as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the coasts of the Maltese Islands.

The battery's gorge was sealed by a rectangular blockhouse, which was among the largest ever constructed in Malta, having three rooms and its roof being supported by 17 arches.

Riħama Battery only saw use during the French invasion of Malta in 1798, but it was outflanked by the invading forces.

It was handed over to the civil government, and was used initially as a seaside residence, and later as a soap factory and slaughterhouse.

Its redan no longer exists, while the left face of the gun platform has collapsed into the sea.