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Fort Ricasoli

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Historical site
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Fort Ricasoli (Malta)

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Fort Ricasoli is a massive bastioned fortress located in Kalkara, Malta, guarding the entrance to the Grand Harbour from the eastern side. Built by the Order of St. John between 1670 and 1698, it is named after Knight Giovanni Francesco Ricasoli, who provided significant funding for its construction. Spanning approximately seven hectares, it is the largest fort in Malta, characterized by its formidable walls and deep defensive ditches. During the British colonial period, it served as a vital military installation and played a key role in defending the islands during World War II. The fort was also the site of the infamous Froberg Regiment mutiny in 1807, when mercenaries seized control of the fortification. In contemporary times, Fort Ricasoli has gained international fame as a primary filming location for major Hollywood productions, including "Gladiator," "Troy," and "Game of Thrones." Despite its cinematic prominence, the fort's structural integrity is currently threatened by severe coastal erosion.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Fort Ricasoli is the largest fortress in Malta and is open to visitors, though parts are closed due to safety and restoration works. Guided tours are often available; inquire on site.
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Typical hours
The fort is usually open from 9:00 to 17:00, but times can vary by season and film shoots. Check the official website before your visit.
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Photography
The fort features spectacular backdrops for photos, especially due to its use as a filming location. Photography is allowed in accessible areas, but drones are prohibited.
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Time needed
A visit to the main areas takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you join a guided tour, budget up to 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a tour of nearby Vittoriosa (Birgu) including Fort St. Angelo. Also the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua) are worth a trip.
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Getting there
Fort Ricasoli is located east of Valletta, reachable by bus (routes 1, 2, 3 or 4) and by car. Parking is available near the entrance but limited.
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Insider tip
Check in advance about film shoots that might restrict access to certain areas. Visit the fort early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting.

Geography

Coordinates
35.89780, 14.52720

Facts

  • The fort was constructed between 1670 and 1698.
  • It is the largest fort in Malta, covering an area of 7 hectares.
  • The design was created by the Italian military engineer Maurizio Valperga.
  • In 1807, it was the site of the violent Froberg Regiment mutiny.
  • The fort was used as a filming set for the movie Gladiator (2000).
  • It was heavily damaged by aerial bombardment during World War II in 1942.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kalkara MarinaKalkara Marina<1 km · SWExplore →
SmartCity MaltaSmartCity Malta1 km · SEExplore →
Tigné PointTigné Point2 km · NWExplore →
Cospicua (Bormla)Cospicua (Bormla)2 km · SWExplore →
Pietà MarinaPietà Marina3 km · WExplore →
Hompesch ArchHompesch Arch3 km · SExplore →
St. Julian's TowerSt. Julian's Tower4 km · NWExplore →
TarxienTarxien4 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Fort Ricasoli (10)

Fort Ricasoli🏰 castle

Fort in Malta, a historic fortification.

Ricasoli Lighthouse

Lighthouse in Malta, aids maritime navigation.

Rinella Bay

Bay in Malta, located along the coast.

Saint Elmo Lighthouse

Lighthouse in Malta, marks the harbour entrance.

Fort Rinella🏛 museum

Victorian battery in Kalkara, Malta, now a museum.

Forti Rinella

Built by the British to guard the naval base. Abandoned in 1906. Housed the 100-ton Armstrong gun.

ex Fort Rinella

Former fort, now a tourist attraction.

Villa Bighi

Historic villa, open to the public.

Esplora🏛 museum

Interactive science centre, a museum for all ages.

World War II Siege Bell

Bell commemorating the World War II siege of Malta.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the fort?
It is mostly closed to the public as it is often used as a film set.
Which movies were filmed here?
Gladiator, Troy, and Game of Thrones were partially filmed here.
Where is the fort located?
At the tip of the Grand Harbour in Kalkara.
Who built the fort?
The Order of Saint John in the late 17th century.
Are there parking spaces nearby?
Yes, there are spaces along the access road in Kalkara.
Fort Ricasoli: where is it located?
Fort Ricasoli is located in Malta.
Fort Ricasoli: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fort Ricasoli, Ricasoli Lighthouse, Rinella Bay.
Fort Ricasoli: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Fort Ricasoli: why is it worth visiting?
Fort Ricasoli is a massive bastioned fortress located in Kalkara, Malta, guarding the entrance to the Grand Harbour from the eastern side.
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Nearby cities

Tigné Point — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Tigné Point
A modern residential and commercial area on a peninsula.
Cospicua (Bormla) — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Cospicua (Bormla)
Cospicua, or Bormla, is the largest of the Three Cities, known for its impressive docks and fortifications.
Tarxien — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Tarxien
Tarxien is famous for its megalithic temples, another key prehistoric complex and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Luqa — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Luqa
Luqa is best known for hosting the Malta International Airport, the country's main gateway to the world.
Gudja — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Gudja
Gudja is a quiet village close to the airport, known for its three churches and the unique Palazzo Bettina.
Mqabba — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Mqabba
Mqabba is renowned for its stone quarries, which extract the high-quality globigerina limestone, and for its paleo-Christian catacombs.
Żebbuġ, Malta — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Żebbuġ, Malta
Żebbuġ, also known as Città Rohan, is one of the oldest towns in Malta, known for its grand parish church and its feasts.
Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand) — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand)
Siġġiewi is a rural town known for its vast fields, farmhouses, and proximity to Buskett Gardens and Dingli Cliffs.
Żurrieq — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Żurrieq
Żurrieq is one of the oldest towns in Malta, known for the Blue Grotto, the Xarolla Windmill, and its catacombs.

History & landmarks

Esplora Science Centre — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Esplora Science Centre
Interactive science centre located in a former naval hospital.
Pietà Marina — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Pietà Marina
A scenic marina area along the waterfront of Pietà.
University of Malta — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
University of Malta
The highest educational institution in Malta.
Żonqor Point — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Żonqor Point
The northern tip of Marsaskala Bay.
Swieqi Parish Church — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Swieqi Parish Church
The modern spiritual center of the Swieqi community.
Top of the World — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Top of the World
A popular viewpoint offering wide views over northern Malta.
Ta&#39; Qali Crafts Village — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Ta' Qali Crafts Village
Crafts village with glass blowing.

Nature

Ta&#39; l-Agħara Hill — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Ta' l-Agħara Hill
A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.
St. Peter&#39;s Pool — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
St. Peter's Pool
A natural rock pool popular with cliff divers.

More places

Kalkara Marina — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Kalkara Marina
A marina located in Kalkara Creek within the Grand Harbour.
SmartCity Malta — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
SmartCity Malta
A technology park designed to be a hub for ICT and media companies.
Hompesch Arch — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Hompesch Arch
A triumphal arch built at the entrance to the city.
St. Julian&#39;s Tower — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
St. Julian's Tower
A coastal watchtower repurposed as a restaurant.
MaltaPost Head Office — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
MaltaPost Head Office
The central sorting hub and head office for the national postal service.
Family Park Marsaskala — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Family Park Marsaskala
A large park with playgrounds, a skate park, and an area for farm animals.
Il-Għaxaq Ridge — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Il-Għaxaq Ridge
A gentle rise near Għaxaq.
Farsons Brewery — Fort Ricasoli (Malta)
Farsons Brewery
Malta's largest beverage producer, the maker of Cisk lager and Kinnie.