Fort St Elmo

Perched at the tip of the Sceberras Peninsula, where Valletta now stands, Fort St Elmo was born out of urgency, resilience, and strategic necessity. Originally constructed in 1552 following warnings of an imminent Ottoman invasion, the fort’s star-shaped design was the brainchild of military engineer Pietro Prato, under the guidance of Knight Fra Leone Strozzi. The fort was completed in record time, a testament to the resolve of the Order of St John.

When the Great Siege of 1565 erupted, Fort St Elmo bore the full force of the Ottoman onslaught. In a heroic defence that lasted nearly a month, the fort’s defenders held off vastly superior forces, ultimately falling on 23 June, but not without leaving a lasting mark on the island’s history.

In the following centuries, Fort St Elmo evolved. It gained barracks, a lighthouse, and became an integral part of Valletta’s massive fortifications. Under British rule, it was fortified with modern artillery, and on 11 June 1940, it became the target of the first aerial bombardment of WWII in Malta, a prelude to the long siege the islands would endure.

Today, Fort St Elmo is not only a testament to Malta’s resilience but also home to the National War Museum, offering a deep dive into 7,000 years of military history. Highlights include:

Armour and weapons from the Knights of St John and the Ottoman Empire

WWII artefacts, including the legendary Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 “FAITH”

Roosevelt’s Jeep ‘Husky’ and Malta’s George Cross — awarded for collective bravery

A War Memorial Room housing an extraordinary collection of wartime medals

Visitors can explore chapels dedicated to St Anne, marvel at the fort’s impressive architecture, and walk the very ground where Malta’s fate was repeatedly tested and defended.

Please note: Those planning to visit Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum without attending the In Guardia show should be aware that regular admission is permitted from 12:00pm onwards. Please visit the In Guardia page for show dates: https://heritagemalta.mt/whats-on/in-guardia-fort-st-elmo-and-the-national-war-museum-2/

Closest Food & Beverage facilities can be found outside the main fort gates, at the Valletta Waterfront, the promenade or within Valletta city.

Adults (18+): €10.00

Senior Citizens (60+): €7.50

Youths (12-17): €7.50

Concessions & Students: €7.50

Children (6-11): €5.50

Infants (1-5): Free