Fort St. Elmo & the National War Museum

Overview

Fort St. Elmo is a historic fort and the National War Museum in Valletta, Malta. It is a star fort that has protected the island for centuries and is now a museum showcasing Malta's military history.

The fort played a crucial role in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 and is a significant part of Malta's military heritage.

History Military

Location

Address

Valletta

Neighborhood: Senglea

Coordinates

35.898900, 14.514400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

€10

Children

€5 (ages 6-17)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild and pleasant

• Spring blooms in the gardens
• Easter events

summer

Hot and sunny

• Extended opening hours
• Outdoor exhibitions

autumn

Cooling down, pleasant

• Fall colors in the gardens
• Harvest festivals

winter

Cold and rainy

• Holiday lights and decorations
• Indoor exhibitions

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets online in advance
Bring a valid ID
Check the weather forecast

What to Bring

essential

Valid ID Water bottle Printed or digital tickets

seasonal

Jacket or umbrella in winter Light clothing in summer

not allowed

Large bags or backpacks Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate, as there are steps and uneven surfaces

• Be cautious on steep and uneven surfaces

Medical facilities: First aid available on site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash (Euros), Credit/Debit cards

Currency

Euro

Typical Costs

entry €10 (adults), €5 (children)

parking €2 per hour

food €10-15 per meal

souvenirs €5-20

Dress Code

Casual and comfortable, Comfortable walking shoes, Sturdy shoes for walking on uneven surfaces, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• At least 1-2 weeks in advance for peak season
• Official website or authorized ticket vendors
• 48 hours in advance for a full refund
• Available online

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Fort St. Elmo - National War Museum

Size: 30 MB

Features: Interactive map of the fort, Audio guide in multiple languages, Ticket booking and payment, Historical information and exhibits

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe and rest areas

Charging Stations: Rest areas and cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Malta International Airport (MLA)

Distance: 15 km

Travel Time: 25-30 minutes

Taxi

€30-35 25-30 minutes

Public transport

€2.50 45-50 minutes

From City Center

Distance: 1 km

Walking

15-20 minutes

Bus

€2 10-15 minutes

Taxi

€8-10 5-10 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The fort is a symbol of Malta's resilience and history, cherished by locals for its cultural significance.

Historical Significance: Fort St. Elmo played a crucial role in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, where the Knights of St. John defended the island against the Ottoman Empire. It is a testament to Malta's military history and the bravery of its people.

Insider Tips

Free entry early in the morning before official opening hours
Best food and coffee can be found at the nearby local cafes
Visit during the shoulder season for a more relaxed experience

Local Recommendations

• Try the local cafes and restaurants in the nearby area
• Ask for a guided tour by a knowledgeable local guide
• Visit the nearby St. Michael's Bastion for more history

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Bongu

thank_you Grazzi

where_is Fejn hu

how_much Kif inhu

beautiful Ħelwa

ticket Bigliett

Guide Languages: English, Maltese, Italian, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance and courtyard

Best Time: Golden hour in the late afternoon

Tips: Low angle shots to capture the fort's grandeur

Result: Stunning photos with warm lighting

#FortStElmo #Valletta #Malta #History #Travel

The terrace with a view of the Grand Harbour

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the panoramic view

Result: Breathtaking sunset views over the harbour

#Sunset #GrandHarbour #VallettaViews #Malta

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas of the fort and gardens, Courtyard

prohibited areas Exhibitions and indoor areas, Restricted sections

flash photography Not allowed in indoor exhibits

commercial photography Permit required for commercial use

drone policy Drones are prohibited

tripod policy Tripods allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed but use with caution

Nearby Attractions

The Grand Master's Palace

Distance: 500 meters

Walking: 7 minutes

Type: Historical Palace and Museum

St. John's Co-Cathedral

Distance: 800 meters

Walking: 10 minutes

Type: Historic Church and Museum

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Distance: 300 meters

Walking: 5 minutes

Type: Scenic Gardens with Panoramic Views

Reviews

4.5

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book tickets online to skip the line"
"Visit early in the morning for a more peaceful experience"
"Don't miss the panoramic views from the terrace"

Contact Information

+356 2124 9144

info@heritagemalta.mt

https://heritagemalta.mt

Social Media

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