Fort Campbell: A Coastal Fortress in Mellieħa

Fort Campbell, or *Fortizza ta' Campbell* as it's known locally, is a historical landmark on the Selmun Peninsula in Mellieħa, Malta. Constructed by the British military between 1937 and 1938, it was designed to protect Mellieħa Bay and St. Paul's Bay. The fort holds the distinction of being the last major fortification built by the British in Malta.Unlike earlier fortifications, Fort Campbell's design reflected the threat of aerial warfare. Its buildings were spaced apart and surrounded by a thin wall, camouflaged to resemble the surrounding countryside's field walls. During World War II, the fort was modified with barracks and a radar installation. After the war, its strategic importance declined, and it was decommissioned by the 1970s.Today, Fort Campbell stands in a state of disrepair, though it retains many original features. Visitors can explore the ruins, but caution is advised due to the site's condition. Despite its derelict state, the fort offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscape. Efforts are underway to restore the site and transform it into a recreational area.