Fort St.Elmo. Valletta, Malta

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Relief Gate

 

Malta has played a key role in the history of military battles in the Mediterranean Sea. So, it is no surprise that one of the first things that the Knights Hospitaller did when they were given control of the island was to construct a fort.

Fort St. Elmo By Dion Hinchcliffe via commons.wikimedia.org


Construction began on Fort St. Elmo in 1552. It was designed to occupy the tip of the Sciberras Peninsula. From this position it could protect the newly rising city of Valletta, and the entrances to both the Grand and Marsamxett Harbors. During the Great Siege of 1565, the Fort was the site of major battles between the Knights and the Turkish forces. 

Relief Gate




A World War II observation tower



Over the centuries, Fort St. Elmo has been modified and modernized. During the British colonial era, there were tremendous changes to the internal buildings including the construction of new barracks and offices. They also built many support structures around the outside the walls of the fort.

 

St. Ann's Chapel
 

St. Ann's Chapel






Today, the original fort, called the Upper Fort, has been turned into a military history museum. Its exhibits explore the history of island, starting with its role as a Roman outpost, and then as part of the Turkish Empire. There is a gallery dedicated to the Great Siege of 1565, with an excellent explanation of how the main battles unfolded. 

 

Roman era pottery



Grave marker in Arabic



Maltese Rotella


Coats of Arms of Languas of the Knights Hospitaller

 

Most of the museum explores the islands role as a key Allied naval base before and during World War II. These exhibits spend a lot of time describing the lives of everyday residents of Malta, as the island came under attack and siege by the Axis Powers.






The Lower Fort is in a state of disrepair at this time, but you may recognize it as it served as the Turkish jail in the movie Midnight Express.

The Lower Fort


When you visit Valletta, make sure to keep Fort St. Elmo in your plans.


Nuts and Bolts


  • Fort St. Elmo is open every day from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM. The entrance fee is €10 adults/ €7.50 seniors, students and youth/ €5.50 children. 
  • Entrance is also available using the Valletta Heritage Multipass.  
Location: St Elmo Bridge, Valletta, Malta

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