National War Museum - Fort St Elmo
Explore the Historical Depths of Fort St Elmo: National War Museum
St Elmo Bridge: Valletta's Harbour Gateway
Walk through history on Valletta's St Elmo Bridge, connecting the city to stunning Grand Harbour views.
St Elmo Bridge, a modern steel footbridge in Valletta, Malta, spans the gap between Fort St Elmo and the Grand Harbour breakwater. Rebuilt in 2012, it echoes a historic 1906 bridge destroyed in WWII, offering stunning harbor views and a link to Malta's maritime past.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to St. Elmo
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
10 am-6 pm
Tuesday
10 am-6 pm
Wednesday
10 am-6 pm
Thursday
10 am-6 pm
Friday
10 am-6 pm
Saturday
10 am-6 pm
Sunday
10 am-6 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From the Valletta City Gate, walk along Republic Street towards Fort St Elmo. Follow the signs for Fort St Elmo, continuing past the Malta Experience and the National War Museum. St Elmo Bridge is located near the fort's entrance, providing access to the breakwater.
Public Transport
Take any bus to the Valletta Terminus. From the terminus, walk towards Fort St Elmo, following the signs. The bridge is a short walk from the fort's entrance. A single bus ticket costs €1.50 in winter and €2.00 in summer, valid for 2 hours.
Taxi/Ride-Share
Ask your driver to take you to Fort St Elmo in Valletta. From the taxi drop-off point near the fort's entrance, the bridge is a short walk. A taxi from St. Julian's or Sliema may cost €20-€30.
Local tips
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Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and the best light for photography.
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Combine your visit with a tour of Fort St Elmo to deepen your understanding of the area's history.
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Wear comfortable shoes, as the surrounding streets are cobblestone and can be uneven.
Discover more about St. Elmo
St Elmo Bridge stands as a striking landmark at the entrance to Valletta's Grand Harbour. This single-span, arched truss steel footbridge connects the Fort Saint Elmo foreshore to the breakwater, offering pedestrians a unique vantage point to admire the harbor's activity and the city's fortifications.The bridge's history is intertwined with the strategic importance of the Grand Harbour. In the early 20th century, a breakwater was constructed to protect the harbor. To allow small vessels passage and prevent stagnant water, a gap was left between the breakwater's arm and the shoreline. A two-span steel footbridge was built in 1906 to bridge this gap. During World War II, in 1941, the bridge was attacked and partially demolished, and later completely removed.For over 70 years, the breakwater and its lighthouse were only accessible by boat. In 2012, a new bridge, designed by Arenas & Asociados, was inaugurated, restoring the vital link. While some criticized its cost, the bridge has become a landmark, offering panoramic views and a connection to Valletta's rich maritime heritage.
A brief summary to St. Elmo
Use St. Elmo as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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