Fort Campbell, Central Region Travel Guide

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Explore Fort Campbell in Mellieħa, Malta: a historic British fort with stunning coastal views, offering a glimpse into Malta's WWII military past.

Fort Campbell, also known as Il-Fortizza ta' Selmun, is a ruined fort in Mellieħa, Malta, built by the British in 1937-1938. It was the last major fortification constructed in Malta and played a crucial role in protecting Mellieħa Bay and St. Paul's Bay. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into Malta's military history and panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline.

A brief summary to Fort Campbell

X97R+G54, Mellieħa, MT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Fort Campbell.

Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain within the fort is uneven and rocky.
Bring water and sun protection, as there is limited shade within the fort.
Explore the surrounding area for hiking trails and scenic views of the Mediterranean coastline.

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Explore Fort Campbell on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Fort Campbell, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Mellieha's main square, head north along Triq il-Qolla l-Bajda towards the Mellieha Parish Church. Continue straight on Triq il-Parsott, then turn right onto Triq il-Kbira. Follow the signs for Fort Campbell, located near the coordinates X97R+G54. The walk from the main road is approximately 15 minutes.
Public Transport

From Mellieha's main square, take a local bus towards Cirkewwa. Ask the driver to stop near Fort Campbell (X97R+G54). From the bus stop, follow the signs to the fort. A single journey bus ticket costs €2.50 during the summer (June 14 to October 18).
Taxi

Taxis are available from Mellieha and can take you directly to Fort Campbell. A taxi ride from Mellieha to Fort Campbell is a short trip. Taxi fares in Malta generally start at €3.50, with an additional €2.57 per mile.

Discover more about Fort Campbell

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.