The forts of Malta

While many tourists flock to Malta for the sun, sea, and nightlife, this Mediterranean island’s rich and illustrious history has also made it a treasure trove of archealogical buildings and sites. The variety of forts still standing on the island offer a unique insight into the battles and great empires of the past, and offer visitors a glimpse of a time long gone in many other places.

Fort St. Elmo stands as part of what is now the Valletta bastions; Valletta being the capital city of Malta. Initially the site of a watchtower, reinforcement began in 1533, after the arrival of the Knights of Malta in 1530. Later, it was Italian, French, Spanish and British architectural influences that governed the construction of what is now known as Fort St. Elmo. When the Ottoman Empire laid siege to the island of Malta in 1565, St. Elmo had become a working fort, and was the scene of the siege’s most ferocious battles, with its garrison of 100 hundred knights, and seven hundred soldiers keeping the Turkish armies at bay for over a month until the fort eventually fell. The fort is still in working order today, and houses the police department’s headquarters, as well as the war museum where the original George Cross, awarded to Malta, is still displayed.

Fort St. Angelo was the home of the powerful Nava family in the 14th Century – the Aragonese feudal lords of Malta at that time. The actual site actually dates back to early medieval times and was possibly built by the island’s Arab rulers in the 11th Century, although the exact date of its construction remains unknown. The Knights of Malta chose to make this fort the seat of their Grand Master after their arrival in 1530, and Fort St.Angelo withstood the bombardment of the Turks during the Ottoman Empire’s siege in 1565. After the siege, the Knights of Malta built the great fortress city of Valletta, and moved their headquarters there, but Fort St.Angelo remains until this day leased, in part, to The Knights of St. John, and is also the site of the maritime museum.

Fort St. Agatha in Mellieha, on the North of the island is also known as The Red Fort due to its distinctive colouration. Built by order of Grand Master Lascaris of the Knights of Malta, this fort protected against the Ottoman Empire as well as the Corsairs. It commands a spectacular view over Mellieha bay, and from this vantage point would have been able to closely observe enemy shipping around the North of the island. After its completion in 1648 it contained a garrison of 30 men, and artillery from 1649, and was a key watch post for the Knights. It is still open today.

There are many other forts on the island, all with a rich story to tell of times gone by and heroic deeds. The great clashes Malta has endured have always been the result of its strategic location between Europe and Africa, serving as a supply, trading, and military base for countless empires throughout the ages. But it’s not only the military that left their mark on the island. As Empires and peoples came and went, they also left signs of their faiths and religious practices, and apart from its military wonders, Malta is also home to some of the oldest known religious sites and temples in existence anywhere, predating the great pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. For the traveller who’s interested in more than just modern culture, Malta’s history and the history of many great nations form the fabric of the island’s modern landscape.

Rate Article

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Travel Destinations" article category.

People interested in the above article "The forts of Malta" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

What to Do in California

Sunshine and fun is what California in USA is all about. This Pacific Ocean bathed state was one of the last to be incorporated into the union, but soon became one of the first on the list for travel and holiday entertainment. It shone bright with so many stars when Hollywood opened its gates. And talking about gates, was known for its innovative methods in construction when it built the Golden Gate Bridge. And it was Walt Disney's choice when he decided to build the happiest place on earth, creating Disneyland.

Traveling to California

The "Golden State" of California has long been one of the most famous settlement spots in the United States. After the gold rush of 1848, countless people from all over the world came rushing to this geographically diverse land in search of opportunity and prosperity, seldom went away disappointed.

What Awaits You in Myanmar

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday Myanmar formerly known as Burma.

Traveling to Benidorm And Alicante

Everything seems to be ideal when planning your holidays in Benidorm and the its surrounding towns. The geographical location between two mountain ranges gives it its fantastic climate; over 356 days of sunshine and comfortable temperatures in winter and beach degrees in summer. Ever since it was taken over by a wise businessman who saw the unlimited possibilities, Benidorm has held the winning position in being the most preferred vacation spot for many singles, retired and families from all over the world, especially from Great Britain, Germany, France and the Scandinavian countries.

Tips on Traveling to Bavaria

Bavaria is Germany's largest state and is located in the southern region of the country. There are resorts, hotels and private rentals located throughout the state. The first step is to decide which areas you most want to visit and plan an itinerary. Then you can begin to decide on accommodations. A variety of choices are available from the more affordable hotels to the more expensive resorts. Information on hotels and other rentals can be found and reserved online.

What to See and Do in Brazil

Even though Brazil covers almost half of South America a majority of its residents live on the coast. The residents of Brazil vary in ethnic orientation as well as economic status. Because of the people and the lush landscape, Brazil is a fabulous place to visit.

Starting Over Down Under

Australia, according to the 2005 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, is the best place in the world to live in! That is probably why the application for migration to Australia annually is extremely competitive as many people dream of starting a new life down under.