Fort Campbell Travel Guide

Fort Campbell, or *Il-Fortizza ta' Selmun* as it's known locally, stands as a testament to Malta's strategic importance during the late 1930s. Constructed by the British military between 1937 and 1938, it was the last major fortification built on the island. The fort's primary purpose was to defend the approaches to Mellieħa Bay and St. Paul's Bay, as well as to safeguard British seaplanes operating from Mistra Bay.Unlike earlier fortifications with thick ramparts, Fort Campbell was designed with thin walls to resemble the surrounding countryside, providing camouflage against aerial attacks. The buildings within the fort, including the command post, gun emplacements, and barracks, were intentionally scattered to minimize potential damage from bombings. The fort was equipped with two 6-inch guns and numerous machine-gun posts. A Battery Observation Post (BOP) served as the fort's nerve center.During World War II, Fort Campbell was modified with additional barracks and a radar installation. Although its strategic importance diminished after the war, the fort remained in military hands until the 1970s. Today, Fort Campbell lies in ruins, a result of neglect and vandalism. Despite its deteriorated condition, visitors can still explore the site, though caution is advised due to unsafe structures.Despite its state of disrepair, Fort Campbell remains a unique historical landmark, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline. The Mellieħa Local Council and the Maltese government have expressed interest in restoring the fort and transforming it into a picnic or camping site.