The harbor of Valletta was protected by three fortifications facing the sea: the famous Fort St. Elmo in the center, the Fort Tigné in the north (with little of it left) and the Fort St. Angelo in the south on the peninsula Birgu belonging to Vittoriosa. Human settlements have been created early in this area and a castle was first mentioned in the 12th century CE.
When the knights of Malta arrived in 1530, they decided to settle in this place, and they fortified the castle. It remained the most important fortification until Valletta was created after the Osman attacks in 1565. Under French and British reign St. Angelo was always a military base with high importance. Funnily, the Royal Navy managed the fort as a ship and it was first called the HMS Egremont, later the HMS St. Angelo.
In 1979 the British forces left Malta and today the fort is a museum that you should visit: the castle structures are well preserved, and it is wonderful to walk through the ancient gates and to have a look at the harbor and the capital city from there. The museum explains the history of Malta, the central position of the fort and its role as a national symbol. You can also learn about the co-operation of the British Navy with the local inhabitants. If you want to visit it, you can take the ferry boat from Valletta and have a convenient walk along the shore.
Forti Sant’ Anġlu
Birgu
Malta
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