Fort Campbell: Malta's Last Major Fortification

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Explore Malta's last major fort, built by the British to defend Mellieħa and St. Paul's Bays, now a historic site open to the public.

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Fort Campbell

Fort Campbell, also known as Fortizza ta' Campbell, is a ruined fort in Mellieħa, Malta, built by the British in 1937-38. It was the last major fortification constructed in Malta and served to protect Mellieħa Bay and St. Paul's Bay. Today, the fort is open to the public, though in a state of disrepair, offering a glimpse into Malta's military history.

A brief summary to Fort Campbell

X97R+G54, Mellieħa, MT

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the fort involves walking on uneven terrain.
Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Be cautious when exploring the fort, as some areas are in disrepair and may be dangerous.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Mellieħa's main square, take a local bus heading towards Ċirkewwa. Get off at the bus stop closest to Fort Campbell (coordinates X97R+G54). It may be necessary to ask the bus driver to indicate the stop. From the bus stop, follow the signs to Fort Campbell. Malta Public Transport tickets cost approximately €2.50 for a single journey in summer.
Walking

From the Mellieha Bay area, head north along Triq il-Qolla l-Bajda towards the Mellieha Parish Church. Continue straight on Triq il-Parsott towards the north. After approximately 500 meters, turn right onto Triq il-Kbira. Follow this road until you see signs for Fort Campbell, located near coordinates X97R+G54. The walk from Mellieha Bay to Fort Campbell is approximately 25-30 minutes.
Car

If driving from Mellieha Bay, head southeast on Triq il-Mellieħa towards Triq il-Bajja. Follow the road until the junction with Triq l-Imghazel. Turn left onto Triq l-Imghazel and continue straight. After about 1 kilometer, the entrance to Fort Campbell will be on the right. There is usually free parking available nearby. Note that parking may be limited.

Discover more about Fort Campbell

Fort Campbell, or Fortizza ta' Campbell, stands on the Selmun Peninsula in Mellieħa, Malta. Constructed between 1937 and 1938 by the British, it represents the final major fortification built on the island. The fort's strategic location was chosen to safeguard the approaches to both Mellieħa Bay and St. Paul's Bay, and to protect British seaplanes landing in Mistra Bay.Unlike earlier fortifications, Fort Campbell was designed with aerial warfare in mind. Its thin walls and dispersed buildings were intended to camouflage it from above, resembling the surrounding countryside's field walls. The fort included gun emplacements, barracks, a command post, and other essential facilities. During World War II, a radar installation was added.Decommissioned sometime after the war, Fort Campbell fell into disrepair. Despite its deteriorated condition, the fort retains many of its original features and is accessible to visitors. However, some areas are dangerous due to vandalism and structural collapse, so caution is advised. The Mellieħa Local Council has been working towards restoring the fort, with proposals to rehabilitate it as a picnic or camping site.Visiting Fort Campbell offers a unique opportunity to explore Malta's military history and enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The surrounding area boasts natural beauty and hiking trails, making it a worthwhile destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.