Fort St. Angelo, Cottonera Travel Guide

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Explore centuries of Maltese history at Fort St. Angelo, a strategic fortress with panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.

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Fort St. Angelo

Fort St. Angelo, a historic fortress in Birgu, Malta, has shaped the island's destiny for centuries. Originally built in the medieval period as a castle, it was rebuilt by the Order of Saint John between the 1530s and 1560s and served as their headquarters during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Today, it offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and surrounding fortified towns.

A brief summary to Fort St. Angelo

Waterfront, Birgu, MT
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Monday 9 am-7 pm
Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
Thursday 9 am-7 pm
Friday 9 am-7 pm
Saturday 9 am-7 pm
Sunday 9 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as there is limited shade within the fort.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the fort and enjoy the views.
Check the Heritage Malta website for updated opening hours and any special events.

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Explore Fort St. Angelo on the Map

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

Getting There

Public Transport

From Valletta, take bus number 2 or 4 to the 'Birgu Centre' bus stop. From the bus stop, walk down towards the Marina. The walk to the moat of Fort St. Angelo is approximately 11 minutes. Malta Public Transport single journey tickets cost €2.50 during the summer. Alternatively, the 12 Single Day Journeys card costs €19 and offers 12 journeys with free transfers within a 2-hour period.
Ferry

From the Valletta Waterfront (near Lascaris Wharf), take the ferry to Cospicua Dockyard Creek. From Dock 1 in Cospicua, it is approximately a 13-minute walk (1 km distance) to Fort St Angelo. The ferry crossing takes 15 minutes and costs €2. Ferries depart hourly.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Valletta. A taxi ride from Valletta to Birgu takes approximately 13 minutes. It's advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey. Taxi fares vary.
Walking

It is possible to walk from Valletta to Birgu. The distance is approximately 2.3 km and takes around 25 minutes. Follow the waterfront promenade, enjoying views of the Grand Harbour.

Discover more about Fort St. Angelo

Perched at the center of the Grand Harbour on the Birgu peninsula, Fort St. Angelo is a powerful symbol of Malta's strategic importance and rich military heritage. Its story began in the medieval period, with evidence suggesting the site was used for defensive structures since prehistoric times. By 1241, a castle known as Castrum Maris (Castle by the Sea) stood here, guarding the harbor.In 1530, the Knights of St. John arrived in Malta and transformed the castle into a formidable bastioned fort, christening it Fort St. Angelo. It became their headquarters and played a pivotal role in the Great Siege of 1565, withstanding fierce Ottoman attacks. The fort's defenses were significantly upgraded in the 1690s by military engineer Carlos de Grunenbergh, giving it the appearance it largely retains today.Throughout its history, Fort St. Angelo has been occupied by various powers, including the French and the British. The British used it as a military installation and naval base, renaming it HMS Egmont in 1912 and HMS St Angelo in 1933. During World War II, the fort endured heavy bombardment, suffering 69 direct hits. The last foreign forces departed in 1979.Today, visitors can explore the fort's various levels, admire the architecture, and enjoy panoramic views. Highlights include the Chapel of St. Anne, the Magisterial Palace, and examples of artillery. The fort also features an interpretation center with immersive displays that detail its history.