A large fortress at the tip of the Birgu peninsula overlooking the Grand Harbour. It began as a medieval castle, was rebuilt by the Order of St John and played a central part in the Great Siege of 1565.
Good to know. The upper fort is reached only by steps. A two-hour visit is suggested.
We do not list opening hours or prices here because they change. The official page has today's.
- Where
- Birgu, Malta
- Entry
- Ticketed. See the official page for prices
- Source
- Heritage Malta
- Last checked
- 7 October 2026
On nearby in Birgu
All of Birgu →More to see
Inquisitor's Palace
A historic palace in Birgu that was the seat of the Inquisition in Malta for more than two centuries. It is now both a historic house museum and the national museum of ethnography.
The Three Cities
Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua: three fortified harbour towns facing Valletta across the Grand Harbour. The Knights of St John settled here first, so their buildings are older than Valletta's.
St John's Co-Cathedral
A historic church in Valletta that also works as a museum, with paintings by Caravaggio and Mattia Preti and a floor of marble tombstones.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
A public garden near Castille Place with wide views over the Grand Harbour towards the Three Cities. It began in 1661 as a private garden of the Italian Knights and opened to the public in 1824.
Grand Master's Palace
The palace built by the Knights of St John in Valletta, later the British Governor's Palace and today the seat of the Office of the President. Heritage Malta runs it as a museum with State Rooms and an Armoury.
Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum
A star-shaped 16th-century fort at the tip of the Valletta peninsula, housing the National War Museum. The museum covers Malta's military history from the Bronze Age to modern times, with a strong Second World War section.