Fort St Angelo, Birgu, Malta

Fort St Angelo is amazing for history buffs AND offers incredible views for those uninterested in history. 😊

Located at the strategic point of the Birgu peninsula, Fort St. Angelo was christened by the Knights of St John in 1532. However, this land has served as a vital location for the inhabitants of Malta for centuries. There is documentation of a defensive castle ( Castrum Maris - “Castle by the Sea”) in 1241, and it has long been stated that it existed 1155 years ago during Malta’s Arabic rule. There is also evidence that the site may have a Roman past, along with indications that a prehistoric structure once existed here.

Fort St Angelo’s current appearance dates back to the 1690s. (Note to those who live in the USA: this is 87 years older than the date of the signing of the Constitution!)

Over the years, the fort has played a crucial role in the defense of Malta

• It repulsed a sea attack from the Turks during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 during the Knights Period (1530-1798).

• During the British Period (1800-1964), it was an important military installation and became a base for the Royal Navy. It suffered 69 direct hits during WWII.

The entrance to the fort makes an immediate impression

There are incredible views of The Three Cities, Valletta, and the Grand Harbour at every turn!

St Anne’s Chapel

On the upper level of the fort is the Roman Catholic Chapel of St Anne, first documented in the 13th century.

Interior of St Anne’s Chapel

Once used as the private chapel for the Grand Master of the Knights of St John, it later was used by British naval personnel stationed in the Fort. It was restored in 1994 and is now open to the public.

Did I mention the amazing views?

Luke, Heritage Malta Guide and History Afficionado

Luke is in the process of obtaining his Master’s Degree in military history (hope I got that right, Luke!) and had such great knowledge to share.

One of the 48 canons used to defend the fort, during the Knights Period.

Tucked away in a corner, I almost missed the stairs to the upper level.

Magisterial Palace

Also on the upper level of the fort, is the Magisterial Palace. This area, once the Keep during the Middle Ages, was the most protected and secure of the castle. Over the years, it housed the ruler of whoever commanded Fort St Angelo (and by extension, the island). During the Knight Period, it was the Grand Master’s palace, and later housed the British Governor.

View from the Magisterial Palace. Imagine how the scenery has changed over the centuries!

The oldest chapel in Malta

Luke was so kind as to give me a private tour of the Chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin, a small chapel hewn in rock. A plaque inside the chapel states it was the first one built in the surrounding region, in the year 1090, though scholars believe it may originate from the time of St. Paul, AD 60. The painting above the altar was reproduced after WWII bombs destroyed it.