Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum

Fort St Elmo guards the tip of the Sciberras peninsula at the far end of Valletta, between the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. A watch-post stood here in medieval times, and after an Ottoman raid in 1551 the Order of St John ordered a proper fort. The star-shaped fort was built in 1552 by military engineer Pietro Prato. In 1565 it took the full weight of the Ottoman assault during the Great Siege and, against the odds, resisted for a month before falling on 23 June.

The fort was later absorbed into Valletta's fortifications and upgraded by the British for new artillery. On 11 June 1940 it suffered the first aerial bombardment on the islands. Today you can walk its parade grounds and bastions, see the two chapels dedicated to St Anne, and look out over both harbours.

The National War Museum

The museum inside is divided into seven sections and covers about 7,000 years of military history in Malta, from the Bronze Age to EU accession. Armour of the Knights and of the Ottoman Turks features early on, but the Second World War dominates. Highlights include the Gloster Sea Gladiator Faith, Roosevelt's Jeep Husky, and the George Cross awarded to Malta for gallantry. A separate War Memorial holds medals awarded during the war effort. As of November 2026, the First World War display in Section 4 is closed until further notice.

Hours and tickets (as of November 2026)

• As of November 2026, check Heritage Malta's current timetable before visiting. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing; holiday closures also apply.
• Tickets are EUR 10 for adults, EUR 7.50 for youths, seniors and students, EUR 5.50 for children (6 to 11), with infants free. One ticket covers both fort and museum.
• On Sundays with an In Guardia re-enactment, regular admission starts at 12:00; check Heritage Malta's In Guardia dates first.

Allow at least 1.5 hours, as Heritage Malta recommends. Photography without flash is allowed. Some areas, including the cavalier roof and prison cells, are reachable only by steps, though chair lifts and an elevator cover much of the route. Pair it with the Grand Master's Palace on the way back up Republic Street.