Fort Saint-ElmeOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Watchtower to Star Fort: The Birth of a Sentinel

Fort Saint-Elme's origins trace back to a watch post established by the local militia on the Sciberras Peninsula in 1417. In 1488, the Aragonese built a watchtower on Saint Elmo Point, dedicated to Saint Elmo, the patron saint of sailors. The Knights of Saint John, who arrived in Malta in 1530, recognized the strategic importance of this location, which commands the entrances to both Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. Following an Ottoman raid in 1551, Grand Master De Homedes ordered the construction of a more substantial fortification. A star-shaped fort, designed by military engineer Pietro Prato, began construction in 1552.

The Great Siege and Beyond

Fort Saint-Elme faced its test during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Ottoman forces, numbering around 40,000, bombarded the fort, which was defended by approximately 1,500 knights and Maltese soldiers. The fort held out for nearly a month, from May 28th to June 23rd, providing time for the rest of the island's defenses. Almost all of its defenders perished, but their sacrifice was central to the eventual Ottoman defeat. After the siege, Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette decided to build a new city, Valletta, on the peninsula, incorporating the rebuilt Fort Saint-Elme into its walls. The fort underwent several modifications in the 17th and 18th centuries, with additions like barracks, a church, and a lighthouse. Under British rule, from the 19th century onwards, Fort Saint-Elme was upgraded with new artillery and played a role in World War II, suffering the first aerial bombardment on Malta on June 11, 1940.

• —Fort Saint-Elme and the National War Museum — Explore the star-shaped fort, a structure of military engineering. The National War Museum, housed within the fort, covers 7,000 years of Maltese military history, from the Bronze Age to Malta's accession into the EU, with a focus on the Great Siege of 1565 and World War II.
• —St. Lazarus Bastion — This bastion, outside the main fort, offers a view of the extensive fortifications and the strategic layout of Valletta's defenses.
• —Eastern Rampart Corner, facing the Grand Harbour — From this point, observe the Grand Harbour and the fortified Three Cities across the water, understanding the strategic importance of Fort Saint-Elme.
• —Siege Bell Memorial — This monument, unveiled in 1992 by Queen Elizabeth II, commemorates the more than 7,000 servicemen and civilians who died during the World War II Siege of Malta between 1940 and 1943. A large bronze bell tolls daily at noon in their memory.
• —Lower Barrakka Gardens — These 17th-century public gardens, on St Christopher Bastion, offer views of the Grand Harbour. You will find a neoclassical temple dedicated to Sir Alexander Ball, a British admiral who played a role in Malta's history.
• —Upper Barrakka Gardens — Originally private gardens for the Knights of St John, these public gardens from the 1660s provide views of the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua), and Fort St. Angelo. The Saluting Battery cannons fire daily at noon and 4 PM.
• —Castille Square, in front of Auberge de Castille — This Baroque building, originally built in the 1570s and rebuilt in the 1740s, was the auberge for the Knights from the langue of Castile, León, and Portugal. It now serves as the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta.

The best time to visit Fort Saint-Elme and Valletta is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Temperatures range from 18-25°C (64-77°F), and crowds are smaller than in summer. The light is suitable for photography. Summers (June-August) can be hot, often exceeding 30°C (86°F), with intense sun and large crowds, making outdoor exploration less comfortable. Winters (November-March) are milder, with temperatures around 10-18°C (50-64°F), but can be rainy and some attractions might have reduced opening hours. Avoid visiting in August, as it is the hottest month and some businesses close for local holidays.

Valletta, and Fort Saint-Elme, is accessible from Malta International Airport (MLA), about 9-11 km away. A taxi ride takes approximately 12 minutes and costs around €19-€24. Public buses connect the airport to Valletta, with a journey time of about 24-42 minutes and a cost of €2-€3. Once in Valletta, the city is explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrianized areas. Be prepared for uphill climbs. Public transport within Valletta includes bus route 133, which circles the city. The closest bus stop to Fort Saint-Elme is 'Nawfragju', a 3-minute walk away. Public parking spaces are available near Fort Saint-Elme, though they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. There is also a small internal parking area for visitors with mobility problems at the fort.