The gorgeous Fort St Angelo in Malta is part of the historical military heritage of the country that stands like a throne at the top of the town of Città Vittoriosa, better known among locals as Birgu. After arriving in 1530 the Knights of the Order of St John became protectors or Malta. Throughout centuries the powerful fortress has withstood enemy attack, for example during the Saracen period and World War II. Till 1979 it was used as a ship base.
There is a legend that in autumn of 1609 the famous Baroque artist Caravaggio became involved in a brawl, was wounded, and locked in the prison of this fortress. They say he escaped on one of the cargo ships that travelled between Malta and Sicily.
More recently, the Government granted the Order of the Knights of St. John the upper part of the fort, comprising the magisterial palace and St. Anne's Chapel. Fort St Angelo, currently closed to the public, is today the residence of the last Knight on the island. On the occasion of Victory Day, which is celebrated on September 8th, Fort St. Angelo is opened from 09 a.m. till 6:30 p.m. Visitors can see a historical fencing show by the Malta Historical Fencing Association and the National Regatta from the fort's bastions.
Practical info
When is Victory Day celebrated in Malta?
Malta celebrates Victory Day on September 8th every year. Fort St. Angelo, located in the town of Città Vittoriosa, is open to the public on this day from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Visitors can observe or participate in historical reenactments of fencing shows organized by the Malta Historical Fencing Association. They can also watch the National Regatta from the fort's bastions, which has a rich military history dating back many centuries. Show more
Where is Fort St Angelo located in Malta?
Fort St. Angelo stands at the top of Città Vittoriosa or Birgu town, overlooking the Grand Harbour in Malta. This military stronghold is one of the oldest of its kind and has survived numerous attacks and sieges throughout the centuries. With its rich historical significance, the fort remains a national treasure and a point of interest for many visitors to Malta. Show more
What is the history of Fort St Angelo in Malta?
Fort St Angelo in Malta has been an important military stronghold for centuries, dating back to the Saracen period. The Knights of the Order of St. John built the fort when they arrived in Malta in 1530 as a defense strategy against enemy attacks. Throughout its history, the fort has been used for various military purposes and has survived multiple enemy attacks. In modern times, it serves as the residence of the last knight of the island, making it an essential aspect of Maltese military heritage. Show more
Where can visitors watch historical fencing shows in Fort St Angelo?
Visitors to Fort St. Angelo can enjoy the historical fencing shows organized by the Malta Historical Fencing Association on Victory Day (September 8th). The shows take place inside the fort's premises, providing spectators with an immersive experience of the fort's rich historical ambiance. Additionally, visitors can observe the National Regatta from the fort's bastions and learn more about the fort's role in Maltese military history. Show more
How did the Knights of the Order of St John use Fort St Angelo in Malta?
Fort St Angelo was built by the Knights of the Order of St. John in 1530 as a military stronghold in Malta. The fort played a critical role in protecting the island and its surroundings and was used as a base from which the knights launched attacks on enemy ships during the Great Siege of 1565. The fort has undergone several modifications and has been used for various military purposes before becoming the residence of the last knight on the island. Show more
