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Saluting Battery: Valletta's Historic Gun Platform

Experience centuries of history with spectacular Grand Harbour views at Valletta's Saluting Battery. Witness daily gun salutes from this historic site.

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The Saluting Battery in Valletta offers stunning Grand Harbour views from a historic artillery platform. Originally built in the 16th century, it was used for both defense and ceremonial gun salutes. Today, visitors can witness daily gun firings and explore the battery's history.

A brief summary to Saluting Battery

  • Saluting Battery Battery Street, Valletta, VLT 1221, MT
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Arrive before noon or 4pm to witness the firing of the cannons and learn about the battery's history.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance, as on-site ticket purchases are card-only.
  • Combine your visit with the War HQ Tunnel tour for a deeper dive into Malta's wartime history.
  • Take advantage of the free shuttle service to Fort Rinella (Sundays excluded).
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Valletta City Gate, walk along Republic Street, then turn right onto Merchants Street. Continue towards Upper Barrakka Gardens. The Saluting Battery is accessible from the gardens via steps or from Battery Street. Admission is €3 for adults.

  • Public Transport

    Take any bus to the Valletta Bus Terminus. From the terminus, walk towards City Gate and follow the walking directions. A single bus ticket costs €1.50 in winter and €2.00 in summer.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Valletta. Ask your driver to take you to Castille Place near the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From there, it's a short walk to the Saluting Battery. A short taxi ride within Valletta costs approximately €15-€20.

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Discover more about Saluting Battery

Perched high on Valletta's eastern ramparts, the Saluting Battery provides a vibrant glimpse into Malta's military past. Constructed in 1566 by the Order of St. John, it served as a key defensive position and ceremonial platform. Cannons fired salutes to visiting dignitaries, naval vessels, and to mark national and religious occasions. The battery also served as the island's official time marker, with guns fired at sunrise, noon and sunset. For almost 500 years, the battery's guns protected the Grand Harbour. It saw military action during the blockade of 1798-1800 and World War II. The British military removed the guns in 1954, and the battery was restored and reopened to the public in the early 21st century. Today, eight working replicas of SBBL 32-pounder cannons fire daily at 12:00 and 16:00. Knowledgeable guides in period costumes explain the loading and firing process. The Saluting Battery offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and surrounding fortified towns. Visitors can explore a collection of historic artillery, view an audiovisual presentation, and take an interactive guided tour. The battery is located below the Upper Barrakka Gardens and forms the lower tier of St. Peter & Paul Bastion.

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