Photos: Leslie Cole, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Andrzej Otrębski, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Rossi, Giovanni Giacomo de, 1627-1691 Cantelli, Giacomo, 1643-1695 Rossi, Domenico de, 1647-1729 Donia, Francesco, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo credits
Photos: Leslie Cole, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Andrzej Otrębski, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Rossi, Giovanni Giacomo de, 1627-1691 Cantelli, Giacomo, 1643-1695 Rossi, Domenico de, 1647-1729 Donia, Francesco, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
The midday gun over the Grand Harbour
Your local guide
Doris Camilleri
View profile
Highlights
- A centuries-old midday gun tradition
- Gardens built for the Knights, now public
- One of Malta's best harbour views
- A cannon fired live on camera
- History marked by the clock, daily
About this tour
This session looks at Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Saluting Battery below, timed around the tradition of the midday gun fired out over the Grand Harbour. You see the gardens' view and, when timed right, the cannon fire itself. The camera stays in the public gardens throughout.
I start in the gardens explaining their history, then move to the railing above the battery in time for the gun. I take questions throughout and send a short note on the tradition afterwards.
It suits anyone who wants to time a session around a specific, memorable moment. It also gives one of the best views over the Grand Harbour.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Valletta before heading out.
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The gardens 21 min
The camera takes in Upper Barrakka Gardens, and I explain how the space changed from a private retreat for knights into a public garden.
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The saluting battery 21 min
Timed around the midday gun, the camera holds on the battery below as the cannon fires, a tradition dating back centuries.
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Your questions 9 min
Time to ask anything about Valletta: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 4 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Ftira and The Three Cities, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Malta time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 9 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Valletta, showing you The gardens and The saluting battery live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need to know the history already?
No background needed. The guide explains everything as it comes up.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Valletta live with my phone.
Times shown in Malta time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Fri 6 Nov · 9 seats left From 26,00 €
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