Malta’s strategic position in the centre of the Mediterranean and its natural harbours have made it a significant prize in the eyes of many empires throughout history. Hence, the island has developed a long history of military engagements and heroic acts of national defence which have come to define the island both architecturally and culturally. VisitMalta, in collaboration with HeritageMalta, have honoured this national patrimony through the inauguration of Malta’s Military Tourism segment on the 9th of November.
A Historic Milestone
Held in Fort St. Elmo, this new segment underscores the island’s legacy of resilience and strategic value and marks a new milestone in Malta’s tourism strategy that seeks to cultivate a respect for the Maltese identity in all it’s dimensions. The chosen venue itself, St. Anne’s Chapel, holds significant historical value given its role and presence during the Great Siege of Malta which served as a seminal moment in European history as a whole.
The launch event was attended by Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, the Hon. Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici, representatives from Heritage Malta, and other key stakeholders.
Military Tourism in Malta
From ancient fortifications to World War-era bunkers, both history fans and tourists who want to get in touch with the more profound aspects of Maltese heritage have much to explore when it comes to the island’s rich wealth of archaeological, architectural and cultural patrimony. A short sample of examples include:
- Fort St. Elmo & the National War Museum – Standing guard at the entrance of Valletta’s Grand Harbour, Fort St. Elmo bears the weight of Malta’s tumultuous past. Its bastions, scarred by the Great Siege of 1565, later became a strategic stronghold during World War II. Within its historic walls, the National War Museum preserves the island’s wartime legacy, displaying artifacts that tell stories of resilience, including the George Cross, a symbol of Malta’s unwavering courage during the Second World War.
- The Lascaris War Rooms – Concealed beneath Valletta’s fortified streets, the Lascaris War Rooms reveal a hidden world of wartime strategy. These underground chambers once pulsed with urgency as Allied commanders devised defence operations and orchestrated the invasion of Sicily. Restored to their original state, the rooms now offer visitors a step back in time, where radar screens flicker, war maps unfold, and echoes of past military briefings linger in the air.
- Artillery Reenactments at the Saluting Battery – Perched high on Valletta’s bastions, the Saluting Battery stands as a living relic of Malta’s military heritage. At precisely noon and 4 PM, the thunderous boom of cannon fire reverberates across the Grand Harbour, reviving the centuries-old tradition of ceremonial salutes. Against the backdrop of historic fortifications, visitors witness this dramatic display, a vivid reminder of the island’s martial past.
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Fort Rinella & the World’s Largest Cannon – Constructed by the British in the late 19th century, Fort Rinella houses an engineering marvel—the colossal Armstrong 100-ton gun, once the pinnacle of military firepower. Within the fort’s stone walls, history comes alive through immersive guided tours, interactive military drills, and captivating reenactments. Here, the daily routines of 19th-century British soldiers unfold, offering a glimpse into an era of imperial defence and innovation.
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Commonwealth War Cemeteries – Scattered across Malta’s landscape, the island’s war cemeteries serve as solemn testaments to the sacrifices of those who fought in both World Wars. Imtarfa Military Cemetery and the Capuccini Naval Cemetery, among others, hold rows of silent headstones, each bearing the names of fallen servicemen from across the Commonwealth. These hallowed grounds invite reflection, honouring Malta’s role as a bastion of resilience amidst global conflict.
To explore more, you’re invited to peruse both VisitMalta’s and HeritageMalta’s dedicated lists of key temples, museums, sites and forts and more.
Military Tourism and VisitMalta’s Vision for Maltese Tourism
Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority, noted that the launch of the Military Tourism Niche aligns with VisitMalta's strategy to promote Malta as a destination that offers enriching and memorable experiences to visitors.
“This initiative goes beyond merely attracting visitors; it is designed to engage those who seek authentic, meaningful experiences that connect them to the rich history of our islands. Military tourism aligns seamlessly with our vision for a tourism sector that prioritizes depth and substance, providing visitors with a compelling reason to choose Malta not only as a destination but as a place to immerse themselves in a unique heritage that celebrates the resilience and spirit of our nation,” ended Mr. Micallef.