Saluting Battery, Grand Harbour Travel Guide

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Experience Malta's military history at the Saluting Battery, where cannons boom daily over Valletta's Grand Harbour. A timeless spectacle!

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Saluting Battery

The Saluting Battery in Valletta is a historic artillery battery with origins tracing back to the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. It offers stunning views of the Grand Harbour and daily gun salutes, connecting visitors to Malta's military past.

A brief summary to Saluting Battery

Saluting Battery Battery Street, Valletta, VLT 1221, MT
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Monday 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Arrive before 11:45 or 15:45 to catch the brief commentary before the noon or 4pm gun firing.
Combine your visit with the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
Consider a multi-site ticket for access to other historical attractions like Fort Rinella and the Malta at War Museum.

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Explore Saluting Battery on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Saluting Battery, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Valletta City Gate, walk straight along Republic Street, then turn right onto Merchants Street. Continue until you reach the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The Saluting Battery is located below the gardens and can be accessed via steps or a lift. The lift costs €1 for an upward journey.
Public Transport

Take any bus that terminates at the Valletta Bus Terminus. From the terminus, walk towards City Gate and follow the walking directions. A single bus journey costs €2, or €1.50 during the winter.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Malta. A taxi from the airport to Valletta costs approximately €20-25. From anywhere in Valletta, ask the taxi driver to drop you off at the Upper Barrakka Gardens or near the City Gate, from where you can walk to the Saluting Battery.

Discover more about Saluting Battery

The Saluting Battery, located on Valletta's eastern ramparts, is a significant historical site with breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour. Its story began in 1566 when the Order of St. John constructed it as part of Valletta's fortifications, following the Great Siege of Malta. The battery was strategically positioned to defend the city from naval attacks.For centuries, the Saluting Battery played a dual role: defense and ceremony. It served as a platform for firing gun salutes to greet dignitaries and visiting ships, as well as to mark national and religious occasions. It also served as the official public time marker for the island, with guns fired at sunrise, noon, and sunset. The tradition of the noon-day gun began in 1820 to help ship masters calibrate their chronographs.The battery's armament evolved over time, from heavy bronze cannons firing stone shots to more modern artillery. It played a role in both World War I and World War II, sustaining damage during the Blitz. The battery ceased operations in 1954 and was later restored in 2004. Today, it features working replicas of SBBL 32-pounder cannons that fire daily at 12:00 and 16:00. Visitors can witness the gun firing, explore the battery, and learn about its history through guided tours and exhibits.