Photos: Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mike McBey, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 Michelle Attard, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo credits
Photos: Rhododendrites, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mike McBey, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 Michelle Attard, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The star-shaped fort that held the harbour entrance
Your local guide
George Farrugia
View profile
Highlights
- A star-shaped fort built to defend a harbour
- The Great Siege of 1565, explained on site
- Centuries of continued military use
- Fortress design built for a single purpose
- One of Valletta's most significant sites
About this tour
This session looks at Fort St Elmo, a star-shaped fortress built to defend Valletta's harbour entrance during the Great Siege of 1565. You see the fort's outer walls and hear how it continued in military use long after the siege ended. The camera stays on the public grounds around the fort throughout.
I walk the exterior explaining the star-shaped design and its purpose, then cover the fort's later history as a twentieth-century military base. I take questions throughout and send a short timeline of the fort's history afterwards.
It suits anyone interested in military architecture or the Great Siege specifically. It also pairs well with the Great Siege Bell Memorial session nearby.
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 fort's outer walls 21 min
The camera follows the fort's star-shaped outer walls, and I explain how the design was meant to defend the harbour entrance during the Great Siege of 1565.
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Centuries of later use 21 min
Looking toward the fort's later additions, I explain how it continued serving as a military base well into the twentieth century.
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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: Kinnie 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 fort's outer walls and Centuries of later use 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: Thu 29 Oct · 9 seats left From 25,00 €
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