Fort Rinella: A Victorian Fortress with a Mighty Gun
Explore a Victorian fort in Malta with the world's largest cannon, live reenactments, and a glimpse into 19th-century military life.
Fort Rinella, located in Kalkara, Malta, is a coastal battery constructed by the British between 1878 and 1886. The fort was built to house an Armstrong 100-ton gun, one of the largest muzzle-loading guns ever made, in response to Britain's concern about losing naval superiority to Italy in the Mediterranean. The sheer size of the gun necessitated a steam-driven hydraulic system for loading, traversing, and firing, which could launch a one-ton shell up to 8 miles. The fort itself is an irregular pentagon, surrounded by a deep ditch. Underground, it features magazines and loading chambers, while the ground level houses accommodation and machinery areas. After serving as a position-finding station and later being surrendered to the Maltese government, the fort fell into disrepair until 1991. Since then, the Malta Heritage Trust has been restoring it. Today, Fort Rinella operates as a living museum, offering visitors a window into Victorian military life. Knowledgeable volunteers conduct tours, and historical reenactments, including military drills and live artillery firings, take place daily. The site also includes a museum dedicated to the British Victorian Army and a café for refreshments.
Local tips
- Check the schedule for historical reenactments, including live artillery and musketry firings, to enhance your visit.
- Purchase tickets online for potential discounts and to save time upon arrival.
- Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like the Malta at War Museum or Lascaris War Rooms using a multi-site pass for cost savings.
- Take bus 3 from Valletta for direct access to Fort Rinella's main gate.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the fort's various levels, underground chambers and the surrounding ditch.
A brief summary to Fort Rinella
- Kalkara, Kalkara, MT
- +35621800992
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Valletta, the most straightforward way to reach Fort Rinella is by bus. Take bus number 3 from the Valletta main bus terminal. The bus stops directly outside the fort's main gate. The bus trip takes approximately 30 minutes, and buses run every half hour. A single journey ticket costs €2.50 during the summer (mid-June to mid-October).
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Valletta. A taxi ride to Fort Rinella takes around 15 minutes. Expect to pay approximately €15-€20 for the trip. Taxi Cab Malta, Malta Taxi Valletta, and eCabs are some of the taxi services operating in Valletta.
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Walking
For those inclined to walk, Fort Rinella is approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) from Valletta, a walk of about 45-50 minutes. The route involves some inclines. From Valletta, head east towards the Grand Harbour and follow the coastal road towards Kalkara. While walking, note that there may be limited shade, so bring water and sun protection.
