The Sheer Bastion Travel Guide

Free Guide: Explore the historic Sheer Bastion in Senglea, Malta: a 16th-century landmark with stunning harbor views, now a unique venue and boutique hotel.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
The Sheer Bastion

A brief summary of The Sheer Bastion

Explore the historic Sheer Bastion in Senglea, Malta: a 16th-century landmark with stunning harbor views, now a unique venue and boutique hotel.

The Sheer Bastion, or il-Maċina, is a 16th-century wedge-shaped bastion in Senglea, Malta, built by the Knights of St. John. Once used to hoist masts onto ships, it now serves as a wedding venue and boutique hotel, offering panoramic harbor views.

4.6 Excellent · 205 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Every day10 am–11 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
Triq Il-Habs Antik, L-Isla ISL 1040
Phone
Website

Getting there

Walking

From the Senglea Ferry Terminal, walk along the waterfront promenade towards the Fort St. Michael Gardens. Continue along Triq il-Habs Antik; the Sheer Bastion will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

Public Transport

Take bus routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 124, or 213 to the 'Isla' bus stop in Senglea. From the bus stop, walk down to the waterfront and follow the promenade along Triq il-Habs Antik until you reach the Sheer Bastion. A single bus fare costs €2-€3.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available from Valletta or other nearby locations. A taxi ride from Valletta to Senglea typically costs around €15-€20 and takes approximately 12 minutes. Ask the driver to take you to the Sheer Bastion on Triq il-Habs Antik.

Discover more about The Sheer Bastion

Overview

The Sheer Bastion, also known as il-Maċina, is a prominent historical landmark in Senglea, Malta, offering stunning views of the Grand Harbour. Constructed in 1554 by the Knights of St. John, this wedge-shaped bastion was originally used to hoist and lower masts onto ships. The name 'Maċina' comes from the Italian word 'macchina,' referring to the large crane structure that once stood here.Located on the waterfront, the Sheer Bastion forms part of Senglea's fortifications, which have been on Malta's tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1998. These fortifications played a crucial role in defending the island, particularly during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Today, the bastion has been repurposed as a wedding venue and a luxurious boutique hotel, blending historical significance with modern amenities.Visitors can explore the bastion's architecture, enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, and appreciate the historical ambiance. The site is particularly known for its stunning sunsets and views of illuminated cities. The Sheer Bastion stands as a testament to Senglea's rich maritime history and its transformation into a vibrant destination.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Explore The Sheer Bastion on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Sheer Bastion, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to The Sheer Bastion, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near The Sheer Bastion

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

Cottonera
More of the region

Explore more of Cottonera

Explore Cottonera, Malta's historic Three Cities. A captivating blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean charm awaits in Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua.

Explore Cottonera
Malta
More of the country

Explore more of Malta

Discover Malta's crystal-clear waters, rich history, and vibrant culture. From ancient temples to modern nightlife, this Mediterranean gem offers something for everyone.

Explore Malta
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide to Cottonera

Discover the hidden gems of Cottonera, Malta with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Cottonera like a local with Evendo. From historic landmarks to the best dining spots, plan and book your entire trip effortlessly. Download now for free!

  • History of Cottonera and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature

Imagine exploring the historic streets of Cottonera, Malta, with a personal guide in your pocket. With Evendo, you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this stunning area. Whether it's the awe-inspiring Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, or the majestic Fort St. Angelo, Evendo provides detailed information to make your visit unforgettable.

Plan your day with ease as you discover top attractions like the Inquisitor's Palace and the Malta Maritime Museum. Feeling hungry? Use Evendo to find the best local restaurants such as Café du Brazil and Del Borgo for an authentic Maltese dining experience. With curated local tips, you'll feel like a true insider.

Evendo goes beyond just providing information. You can book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more hassle of searching multiple platforms. With features like 'Near Me', you can quickly find attractions, shops, bars, and nightclubs around you. Enjoy seamless navigation through Cottonera and make the most of your trip with travel essentials and local advice right at your fingertips.

Download Evendo today and unlock the full potential of your Cottonera adventure!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.