Fort St. Angelo
Fort St. Angelo things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Fort St. Angelo is a bastioned fort in Birgu, Malta, located at the centre of the Grand Harbour. It was originally built in the medieval period as a castle called the Castrum Maris.
attractions: Upper Barrakka, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Triton Fountain, St. John's Co-Cathedral, City Gate, Valletta City Gate, Lower Barrakka, Lower Barrakka Gardens, The Valletta Waterfront, Is-Suq Tal-Belt - Valletta Food Market, restaurants: Caffe Cordina, San Paolo Naufrago, Nenu The Artisan Baker Valletta, BeBirgu, AKI, Palazzo Preca Restaurant, Rampila Restaurant, Legligin Restaurant, La Pira Maltese Kitchen, Casa Sotto
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Fort St. Angelo is a bastioned fort in Birgu, Malta, located at the centre of the Grand Harbour. It was originally built in the medieval period as a castle called the Castrum Maris.
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Moments in Malta Malta is an island located between Europe and Africa, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. There are two main spoken languages: Maltese and English. Must-see places in Malta: 🏰 Valetta: This is the capital of Malta and is sometimes called an “open-air museum.” The entire city is recognized by UNESCO for its historical and cultural value. The buildings are protected and their architectural integrity has been well preserved. The city truly comes alive at night. Restaurants and bars set up tables and chairs on the sidewalk and steps and live music is heard on every street corner. 🇲🇹 Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua): These cities sit directly across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. To get there, you can take a ferry or luzzu (traditional fishing boat); I’d recommend taking a luzzu; they’re operated by locals and cost about 2 Euro per person for a quick 5 minute ride. If you only make it to one of the three cities, choose Vittoriosa, where the Fort Saint Angelo is located. This is where the Great Siege of 1565 occurred when the Knights of St. John and the Maltese defeated the Turks. 🏰 Mdina: This place is a must! It’s an ancient walled city and is a mix of medieval and baroque architecture. You literally feel like you’re stepping back in time. If you’re a GOT fan, you don’t want to miss this! 🗝 Rabat: This is a neighboring town to Mdina. It’s known for its impressive catacombs and archeological sites. 💧If you want to see beautiful blue water, visit St. Peter’s Pool or Mellieha Bay (just know there will likely be big crowds). 💦 Gozo: the second largest Island of the Maltese archipelago. You can charter a boat or take a 45-minute ferry to get here. The main attraction is the Blue Lagoon, but it has become a tourist trap and is flooded with crowds. Instead, go to the Crystal Lagoon in Comino. 🗿If you want to see a monument that’s older than Stonehenge and the Great Egyptian Pyramids, visit the Megalithic Temples of Malta which date back to 3600-2500 B.C. ✈️ Save this reel for your next visit! #malta #valletta #europe #europeanadventure #summerineurope #globetrotting #goexplore
libertechanlibertechan
92264
"The Holy Land to Malta: In The Footsteps of the Order of St John" Fort San Angelo What an outstanding experience! The volunteer reenactors were realistic and superb and in such a uniquely appropriate environment such as Fort San Angelo, it was even more impressive. Our (3PM Sunday) guide was extremely knowledgable and the actors not only credible, but knowledgable. The highlight of the event was the closing siege where many muskets were fired and the final battle dramatically took place. My eardrums will never be the same. I learned so much about the Order of St John's and the history of Malta during our stay, but especially during the 90+ minute tour of medieval life and death at Fort St Andrea. I look forward to learning much more and possibly becoming involved myself at some point if practical. The fort itself is nothing special on the inside, having been renovated using some fairly modern techniques and materials. However, the outside of the fort and views of Valletta across the harbor from the fort were in-fact quite spectacular. Entrance was free the day we were there, but prices are normally a bit high (€5 - €8), in my opinion, for just the fort itself. It was the reenactment that was the highlight of the visit. CombatCritic Gives From Fort San Angelo and "The Holy Land to Malta: In The Footsteps of the Order of St John" 9 Bombs Out Of 10 ... More Bombs Are Better!
C.T. “CombatCritic” SorrentinoC.T. “CombatCritic” Sorrentino
00
Fort St. Angelo was built by Sicilian overlords; and, in 1245, was their stronghold. In 1530, the Knights of St. John remodeled the Fort tremendously, making it an impenetrable fortress. Fort St. Angelo played a crucial role in The Great Siege of 1565 when the Ottoman Empire tried to take Malta for their own. Suleiman The Magnificent sent 35,000–40,000 sailors and soldiers. Less than 2100 Knights and soldiers from Spain, Italy, Sicily, and Greece, with an additional 6100 militia servants and galley slaves. After four months of brutal fighting, the Knights prevailed, and Malta was saved. Fort St. Angelo was the Royal Navy’s headquarters in World War II. The fort suffered 69 direct bomb hits but has survived to this day. This is a fascinating place to visit and learn the history of Malta and the Grand Harbor. The views from the Fort are unparalleled in Malta. On a clear day, which is most, you can see the Citadel of the Silent City, Mdina, to the west. Occasionally Sicily is visible as well. The is a nice kiosk on one of the upper levels for a snack or cold drink, beer, or wine. Take the time to visit this Heritage Malta destination, and don’t forget your camera. Hours are seven days a week, 10 am to 6 pm.
Kevin ScanlonKevin Scanlon
00
Often overlooked, the 3 Cities and Fort St. Angelo is a great day trip from Valletta. Birgu, the centre of the 3 Cities, probably has the most to offer (but Senglea is also nice) and is where you'll find Fort St. Angelo. The Fort itself sits at the end of the peninsula and offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and Valletta. History lovers will be in their element - the Fort has played an important military role over the centuries. Originally built by the Knights it was pivotal during the Great Siege by the Ottoman army. More recently it was the Mediterranean headquarters for the British navy during WWII. There's a lot to explore so allow a couple of hours - its well worth a visit. The Fort and museum are open daily from 09.00 - 17.00h. There's a guided tour at 11.00h. Admission is 8 euros. Getting there from Valletta is easy. You can take the number 2 bus from the main Valletta bus station which takes about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic and drops you at the small main square of Birgu. Alternatively cross the Grand Harbour by ferry or water taxi - it takes about 7 minutes. The return ferry trip gives great views of Valletta.
StevenSteven
90
This is probably the most iconic landmark in Malta. Get there early and visit the chapel. The place will close at 4 but, to really enjoy this site you need at least 2 hours. Walking shoes are better, this fort is uphill and it's big with stairs. Most is wheelchair friendly. Look your best! This place has stunning views of Malta and you want to look sharp and take as many photos as you can. Bring a small bottle of wine or a small snack to enjoy. You can make a day out and visit the Maritime museum, the War museum, and the Inquisitors palace. At sunset head up to the Birgu vastillions for a stroll. Don't waste your time and money at the bars located at the sea side. There are many fantastic Maltese restaurants on the side streets and you want to walk those beautiful Maltese streets. Try Tal-Petut, guzé bistro or Del Borgo. Don't forget to make a reservation or give them a call to avoid disappointment. A perfect way to finish the day!
Gilly BeanGilly Bean
30
Fort St. Angelo is the mist prominent defence installation at the Grand harbour and you get a great view over it from the walls around Valletta. It's a steep incline to get up to the main level of the fort but once you are there it will give you great view over the harbour and Valletta. The audioguide will walk you through the installation and you will be able to see how it worked when it was in service. There is also information on how the men lived both during Maltese and British times. There is a nice coffee shop for you to enjoy the views and get both food and drinks. Whilst there are some areas that are indoors like three history movie areas, most of the museum is outdoors. You can easily spend a few hours here without dragging it out.
Rick JonssonRick Jonsson
00
Nearby Attractions Of Fort St. Angelo
Upper Barrakka
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Triton Fountain
St. John's Co-Cathedral
City Gate
Valletta City Gate
Lower Barrakka
Lower Barrakka Gardens
The Valletta Waterfront
Is-Suq Tal-Belt - Valletta Food Market
Upper Barrakka
4.7
(12.5K)Click for details
Upper Barrakka Gardens
4.7
(10.3K)Click for details
Triton Fountain
4.7
(8.7K)Click for details
St. John's Co-Cathedral
4.7
(7.9K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Fort St. Angelo
Caffe Cordina
San Paolo Naufrago
Nenu The Artisan Baker Valletta
BeBirgu
AKI
Palazzo Preca Restaurant
Rampila Restaurant
Legligin Restaurant
La Pira Maltese Kitchen
Casa Sotto
Caffe Cordina
4.1
(2.5K)Click for details
San Paolo Naufrago
4.7
(1.8K)Click for details
Nenu The Artisan Baker Valletta
4.5
(1.4K)$$
Click for details
BeBirgu
4.5
(996)$$
Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(2.4K reviews)
Phone
+356 2540 1800
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Website
heritagemalta.mt
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Deep Dive
A deep dive into Fort St. Angelo
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