Saluting Battery, Valletta, Malta

The Saluting Battery is Valletta's ancient ceremonial platform from where gun salutes are still fired regularly. Equally, the passage of time is marked twice daily from her with gun fire at noon (12:00) and sunset (16:00).

The battery itself is located at one of the capital's highest vantage points from where splendid vistas of the Grand Harbour and its surrounding towns can be enjoyed. Its origins go back to the time when Valletta was built by the Order of St. John in 1566. It remained in constant use, under the Knights, the French and the British in both its defensive and ceremonial roles for the next 400 years. This historic monument has recently been restored to all of its original functions as it stood in the late 19th century, complete with working cannon, artillery stores, gun powder magazine, historic ordnance collection and small museum.

References:

Visit Malta

User Reviews

Marios (3 years ago)
Amazing views on the three cities. This is a location you should definitely visit once in Valetta. The views are breathtaking both during the day and in the night. There are also benches to sit and admire the view but they are usually crowded.

Steve Sloan (3 years ago)
Amazing and FREE to enter , if you want to touch the cannons then enter from downstairs and pay 3 euro and / or leave a tip

Jas & Ashly (3 years ago)
***A Nice Pitstop*** During the cannonball fire sessions (12noon & 4 pm) there is an audio explanation played to detail what is happening as a guard sets up the cannons and fires on the dot. The overall event is 5 minutes but people arrived earlier seating on shaded benches well before this kicks off. You can go downstairs in the war rooms and pay to view from there, which is less crowded and more shaded, however you can enjoy the quick show for free from the upper barrakka. I wouldn't plan around this, as it can also be seen from the three cities which are situated across the sea.

Pat Simons (3 years ago)
A must see then you visiting beautiful Valletta and every Cent worth. Great piece of history with friendly stuff. A big Thank You to Umberto - you have done a great job! Greetings from the german couple, Natalia and Patrick

Paul Ciprian (4 years ago)
An interesting show.If you don't want to pay the entry fee you can stay in Upper Barrakka Gardens.You can see everything from there.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Mark1792

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