The fortress was built in the 14th century, and the main purpose of the structure was to guard the approaches to the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, which are located on the Mount Sceberras peninsula.
However, the fortress did not stand in its original form for long. As a result of the prolonged siege of Malta by the Ottoman Empire, the fort was captured. For some time the fort was in the hands of the Turks, but later the Hospitallers managed to retake the fortress, or rather – what was left of it... Soon, a new fortress was built on the ruins of the fort, which became much better than its predecessor.
For many years, Fort Saint Elmo remained the main fortification of Valletta. When the need to defend the cape disappeared, the structure was repurposed as a museum. Today, part of the fort is occupied by a museum, and part is given over to the Malta Police Academy and enclosures for purebred dogs that are used for security.
The part of the structure where the National Police is now located cannot be visited, as entry to outsiders is closed there, but anyone can enter the Malta War Museum. Most of the museum's exhibits date from World War II, since in 1941 Fort Saint Elmo also witnessed combat.
Visiting the Malta War Museum will be especially interesting for those whose soul is partial to military themes and especially the history of World War II. Among the exhibits are General Eisenhower's jeep, one of several aircraft that defended Malta's airspace during the war, as well as “Big George.” The latter is a military order in the form of a cross, awarded by King George VI to the Maltese people for their bravery and courage. No less interesting for museum visitors are exhibits such as German torpedo boats and torpedoes, German and Italian anti-tank guns, uniforms, gas masks, and weapons from World War II.
At the museum, you can hire special guides dressed in knightly-era attire. This makes the tour not only more engaging but also more atmospheric. Quite often, costumed performances dedicated to various historical events are held at Fort Saint Elmo.
Monthly, on the Piazza d'Armi of the fortress, a show called “Alarme!” is held. The theatrical performance tells about the resistance of the Maltese people to the troops of Emperor Napoleon. Less frequently (once every few months), the so-called “In Guardia” takes place, which is a colorful reenactment of a military parade.
Fort Saint Elmo, as well as St. John's Co-Cathedral, is a very popular location for film shoots. Thus, scenes from famous films such as “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “Midnight Express” were shot here.
The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, closed on holidays (Christmas and New Year). Admission costs about 6 euros.
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