Saluting Battery — Attraction in Valletta

The Saluting Battery in Valletta is one of the most historic and iconic landmarks in Malta. Located just below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, it offers breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and a unique opportunity to witness a traditional cannon firing ceremony.

Every day, except Sundays, cannon firings take place at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. If you want to experience this up close, visit the small museum and stand next to the cannons during the firing, there is a small entrance fee of €3 for adults and €1 for children (5-15 years old).

The Saluting Battery is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. Arriving a bit earlier allows you to explore the area before the cannon firing.

The Saluting Battery dates back to the 16th century when the Knights of St. John built it to defend Valletta and the Grand Harbour. Over the years, it was used for both defensive and ceremonial purposes, including welcoming ships and marking important events. During World War II, the battery played a key role in Malta’s defense but was later abandoned. It was fully restored and reopened to the public, allowing visitors to experience a piece of history in action.

A visit to the Saluting Battery is a must for history lovers and anyone looking for a unique experience in Valletta. It’s a fantastic way to step back in time, see a historical tradition still in action, and enjoy stunning views of the harbor. Definitely...

The midday sun beat down on the ochre-hued limestone of Valletta as I navigated the labyrinthine streets, my senses assaulted by the clamor of vendors hawking trinkets and the melodic lilt of Maltese. My destination: the Saluting Battery, a historical bastion overlooking the Grand Harbour. I arrived just as the clock struck four, the air thick with anticipation. A hush fell over the assembled crowd as the uniformed soldiers, resplendent in their scarlet tunics, began their ceremonial preparations. The booming of the cannon, echoing across the harbor, sent shivers down my spine. It was a visceral experience, a fleeting glimpse into Malta's rich maritime history. The battery itself, perched dramatically on the edge of the bastions, offered breathtaking panoramas. The Grand Harbour, a shimmering expanse of turquoise, was a tapestry of activity – sleek yachts bobbed alongside traditional fishing boats, while the imposing fortifications of Fort St. Elmo stood sentinel on the opposite shore. As the final cannon shot reverberated, a sense of tranquility descended. The crowd began to disperse, leaving me to savor the lingering echoes of the past. The Saluting Battery, I realized, was more than just a tourist attraction; it was a poignant reminder of Malta's resilience, its storied past intertwined with the ebb and flow of the...

Fires daily at 12pm and 4pm bar one day of the week (maybe Sunday but check!) Get there early if you want to get a good viewing spot and be mindful that you cannot stand behind the canons and the lieutenants from the heritage society will direct the crowd into place. There’s a bit of official loading and marching before firing off and creating a big plume of white smoke and a gasp from the crowd!

Located in Upper Barrakka Gardens you can take the lift from harbour side and pay 2 euros instead of climbing up there (not too bad, Lisbon has worse hills!) and watch above from the walls or alternatively buy a cheap ticket (€3 for adults and €1 for kids between 5-15) to view from the gallery next to the canons. We had ear defenders for the baby and he didn’t even flinch. Great views of the three cities from there too. Don’t mistake the entrance of the gallery and be sure to go to upper Barrakka Gardens and not lower (which are...