Background

Forti San Salvatur: A Bastion of History in Birgu

Explore Forti San Salvatur in Birgu, Malta: a historic fort with centuries of stories, from prisoner-of-war camp to kerosene depot.

5

Forti San Salvatur, also known as Fort Salvatore, is a retrenched fort in Birgu, Malta, constructed in 1724 on the Cottonera Lines. It has served various purposes, including a prisoner-of-war camp and a kerosene depot, marking its place in Maltese history.

A brief summary to Forti San Salvatur

  • VGPG+6QV, St Edward St, Birgu, MT

Local tips

  • While the fort is not accessible, admire its exterior from St. Edward Street and imagine its storied past.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Cottonera Lines to appreciate the fort's strategic context.
  • Explore the charming streets of Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, to discover more of Malta's history and culture.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Birgu waterfront, walk along Triq il-Kbira (the main road). Turn left onto St. Edward Street. Forti San Salvatur will be on your right after a short walk. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus routes 2, 3, or 4 from Valletta Bus Terminus to Birgu. Disembark at the Birgu stop. Walk along Triq il-Kbira and turn left onto St. Edward Street. Forti San Salvatur will be on your right after a short walk. A single bus ticket costs approximately €2.50.

  • Car

    Drive towards St. Edward Street in Birgu. From the center of Cottonera, take Triq il-Kbira towards Birgu. Turn left onto St. Edward Street. Continue straight, and you will see Forti San Salvatur on your right. Limited street parking is available nearby.

Unlock the Best of Forti San Salvatur

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Forti San Salvatur

Forti San Salvatur, or Fort Salvatore, stands as a testament to Birgu's rich and layered past. Constructed in 1724 by French military engineers, the fort occupies the northernmost bastion of the Cottonera Lines, strategically overlooking Birgu. This retrenched fort consists of two demi-bastions connected by a curtain wall, all surrounded by a protective ditch. A central parade ground lies within the fort's walls. Throughout its history, Forti San Salvatur has played diverse roles. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the British utilized it, including as a prisoner-of-war camp for Turkish soldiers during the Greek War of Independence. It later housed German prisoners during World War I. During World War II, the fort served as an internment camp for Maltese citizens suspected of Italian sympathies and a kerosene depot. A bombing in 1941 ignited the depot. Today, Forti San Salvatur remains standing, though in a dilapidated state. It is one of the few fortifications in Malta under private ownership. While not open to the public, its imposing structure offers a glimpse into Malta's strategic military history.

Popular Experiences near Forti San Salvatur

Popular Hotels near Forti San Salvatur

Select Currency