Fort Rinella

Fort Rinella is a Victorian coastal fortress on the eastern side of the Grand Harbour, in the village of Kalkara beside the Three Cities. It is best known for its giant gun, advertised as the world's largest cannon, and for a visit that mixes a guided tour, a film show and costumed historical re-enactments. The fort is run by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, a voluntary heritage organisation that cares for several historic sites across Malta.

It is listed among the museums in Malta on VisitMalta.co.uk and makes a good half-day outing for families, military history fans and anyone exploring the Grand Harbour area.

What your visit includes

Admission includes a guided tour and a film show about the history of the fort and its 100-ton gun. Film shows run roughly on the hour, and all historical re-enactment displays are covered by the entrance fee. The fort also promotes its Soldiers of the Queen museum exhibition to visitors. The fort suggests allowing at least two hours, depending on queues, and you may stay as long as you like within opening hours on the date of your ticket. Re-entry is allowed on the same day.

Facilities include toilets, maps and health and safety advice, and there is a shop selling souvenirs, gifts, jewellery and clothing. There is no dress code, though visitors are asked to dress respectfully because families are present.

About the foundation behind it

Fort Rinella is looked after by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, a voluntary organisation that relies on public support to keep its sites open. Visitors can become members, make a donation or register to volunteer, and members enjoy free, unlimited access to all of the foundation's attractions through the year.

That context shapes the visit: much of the programme, from the re-enactments to the film show, is run by people who care about the fort's history. If military heritage interests you, the Heritage Pass below links the fort with other sites in the same family, so you can plan a week of visits around the Grand Harbour and Valletta.

Tickets and prices

Booking online is the cheapest way to visit. Adult tickets (16 and over) cost €14, seniors over 60 and students pay €12, children aged 5 to 15 pay €7, and a family ticket for two adults and three children under 16 costs €28. Members of the foundation enter free. Senior concessions may require identification showing your date of birth, and this applies to international visitors too. Print-at-home tickets can be shown on a phone or on paper.

A Heritage Pass costs €50 for an individual or €95 for a family and is valid for a week from first use. It gives one visit each to Fort Rinella and the foundation's other attractions: the Lascaris War Rooms, Saluting Battery, War H.Q. Tunnels, Malta Time gun museum, Malta at War Museum, St Peter's Galleries and St Thomas Tower. The War H.Q. tunnel tours run twice daily at 10:00 and 13:00 from the Saluting Battery for €17 for adults and €7 for children.

Groups, schools and getting there

Groups of ten or more get discounts and voucher schemes if they book in advance, and can pay at the gate. Meal deals and audio guide discounts are available subject to availability. Schools can book discounted entry with on-site supervision and meal deals.

By car, follow the main roads to Cottonera and the Three Cities, then the signs for Kalkara. Our Three Cities guide and Vittoriosa guide help you combine the fort with a walk through Birgu, and the Valletta guide covers the bus journey's starting point. For other heritage visits, see Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Ħal-Tarxien Prehistoric Complex and Ħaġar Qim Archaeological Site, plus our things to do in Malta page and Malta weather guide.

To ask about a visit, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Fort Rinella.