Background

St. Elmo Bridge: Valletta's Harbour Link

Walk across history on Valletta's St. Elmo Bridge, offering stunning harbor views and a tangible connection to Malta's maritime past.

4.5
A question is required

St. Elmo Bridge, a modern steel footbridge in Valletta, Malta, spans the entrance to the Grand Harbour, connecting the city to the breakwater. Rebuilt in 2012, it stands on the site of a historic bridge destroyed in WWII, offering stunning views and a tangible link to Malta's past.

A brief summary to St. Elmo Bridge

  • WG3C+4CV, St Elmo Bridge, Valletta, MT

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset for the best photo opportunities and a magical atmosphere.
  • Take a walk down to the shoreline underneath the fortifications for different perspectives and unique angles for your photographs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the area invites exploration on foot.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Valletta bus terminus, walk east towards the waterfront. Follow the promenade towards Fort St. Elmo. Pass through the Jews' Sally Port to access the rock pathway beneath Fort St Elmo, which leads to the bridge. Be cautious, as the pathway can be unlit and exposed to the elements.

  • Public Transport

    From the Three Cities area, take bus number 82 or 133 to Valletta. Alight at the Valletta bus terminus and walk towards the waterfront. Follow the promenade towards St. Elmo, a 15-minute walk to St. Elmo Bridge. A single bus journey costs around €1.50 if using a Tallinja card.

  • Taxi

    From anywhere in Valletta, a taxi ride to St. Elmo Bridge is a quick option. Taxis are readily available, and the short trip will cost approximately €10-€15. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Unlock the Best of St. Elmo Bridge

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

q

Discover more about St. Elmo Bridge

St. Elmo Bridge, located in Valletta, Malta, is more than just a crossing; it's a symbol of resilience and a gateway to the city's rich maritime history. This elegant, single-span arched truss steel footbridge stretches from the foot of Fort Saint Elmo to the breakwater at the entrance of the Grand Harbour. The bridge that stands today is a reconstruction, completed in 2012, designed by Arenas & Asociados, echoing the design of the original bridge that stood for a mere 30 years. The original bridge, built in 1906, was a vital part of the British Admiralty's plan to protect the harbor. It consisted of two spans of arched truss beams supported by cylindrical steel columns. However, during World War II, in July 1941, Italian forces attacked the harbor, and the bridge was a casualty of the conflict. The collapsed span was removed, and the remainder of the bridge was demolished after the war, leaving only the stone abutments. For many years, the breakwater and lighthouse were only accessible by boat. In 2012, as part of a regeneration project for Valletta, the new St. Elmo Bridge was inaugurated, restoring the link and offering pedestrians a direct route to the breakwater. Today, the bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Valletta's skyline, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Grand Harbour, making it a popular spot for photographers and sightseers. From the bridge, one can appreciate the context around which it was built, with views of Fort St. Elmo, Sliema, and Fort St. Angelo.

Popular Experiences near St. Elmo Bridge

Popular Hotels near St. Elmo Bridge

Select Currency