Location: Valletta
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What to do and see in Valletta, Island of Malta: The Best Military Museums
Founded in 1565 by the Order of St John as a refuge for soldiers returning from the Crusades, Valletta is now the capital of Malta and a piece of living history. With an unsurpassed collection of original Baroque architecture, fortified city walls overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and the spectacular Co-Cathedral of St John, which features intricately carved stone vaults and a famed painting by Caravaggio, it is no wonder that this smallest of European capital cities is a world heritage site.
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1. Fort St Elmo - National War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,885 reviews
Visitors at Fort St Elmo can experience the impressive grounds of the fort, including the splendid architecture of the two chapels dedicated to St Anne. Among the most notable artefacts inside the museum one finds the military armour of the Order of St John and the Ottoman Turks, the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH, Roosevelt’s Jeep ‘Husky’, and Malta’s award for gallantry, the George Cross.
Reviewed By MALTAWEDDINGPHOTO - Malta, null
Malta has a glorious chapter of its very own during WWII. Europe was completely dominated and run over by the axis with the exception of Britain and tiny Malta G.C.This does send a message of the Maltese incredible resilience when it really mattered most! Thisis the museum where one could appreciate the unparalleled bravery of the Maltese, hand in hand with the British and the allies particularly during 1942. There is the Gladiator aircraft on display, left from the famour 'Faith, Hope, and Charity' trio. One can also see the Actual George Cross medal which is the greatest testimony of 'gallantry', bravery and heroism by the Maltese during world war II.
2. Lascaris War Rooms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,933 reviews
The Lascaris War Rooms consist of an underground complex of tunnels and chambers that housed the War Headquarters from where the defence of Malta was conducted during the Second World War.This secret complex contained operations rooms for each of the fighting services from where not only the air defence of Malta was coordinated, but also some of the greatest battles fought in the Mediterrean during the war. In July 1943, the Lascaris War Rooms served as the advance headquarters for the Invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky)by Generals Eisenhower, Montgomery, Alexander and Clark and Air Marshal Tedder and Admiral Cunningham. It went on being used under different forms by both the British services and Nato up to 1977.
Reviewed By andyburton76 - Lichfield, United Kingdom
We went to the war rooms on a whim and one of best parts of day! Did the guided tour in English with Matthew who really knew his stuff and was funny and informative at the same time. Not that big so can do in a hour or 2 but really important location in islands history.
3. Saluting Battery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,670 reviews
The Saluting Battery is one of Malta's most vibrant visitor attractions where history is brought to life daily! Located high along Valletta's eastern historic ramparts it enjoys unrivalled spectacular views of the Grand Harbour and its surrounding fortified towns. It is also perhaps the oldest saluting battery still in operation anywhere in the world. Here one can see a fully restored gun powder magazine, an artillery side-arm store, a handsome collection of original muzzle-loading artillery , ammunition and equipment and get a close-look at the saluting guns. The battery is equipped with audio-guides but guided torus in English are also available three times a day at 11.00, 12.30 And 15.00Hrs.
Reviewed By jamesmif
At noon of everyday, soldiers load and fire the cannons as a commemoration of the 1565 victory on the Ottoman empire and also that of the Second World War in which Malta was heavily involved.
4. Fortifications Interpretation Centre - Fortifications Interpretation Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Reviewed By 537gilk
I passed this museum a number of times with my kids , but didn't enter . There was NO WAY my kids were going to watch Dad read about forts for 2 hours . Soo... I waited till I was Solo in Malta. Loved it , it is a real learning experience , IF you appreciate the science of forts from B.C. to the 20th Cent . They have a number of miniature wood models of many forts in Malta and explanations . The only question is , do you do this before or after you've been to some forts ? (I went after visiting Fort St. Elmo in Valletta , The Citadel on Gozo, The Saint Mary's watchtower on Comino and Fort Tigne in Sliema). My suggestion ? See the forts first , then compare what you learned to the models in the exhibit . A definite learning experience . You will come out smarter then when you went in and all for a few € !
5. Grandmaster's Palace
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,881 reviews
Please note that the Palace State Rooms will be closed to the general public from the 1st of February 2020 and until further notice. This closure is necessary in view of the extensive restoration project currently underway at the Grand Master’s Palace. Works will not affect accessibility to the Palace ARMOURY, which will remain open daily.
Reviewed By Phil_F16 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Visited the Grandmasters palace on a Sunday whilst on holidays in Malta. It’s one of the few tourist sites that is available to see on a Sunday and I took myself off into Valletta for the day. Spent the morning in The Grandmaster’s Palace - it’s currently the official residence of the President of Malta though was previously the former residence of the British Governor and before that the Grandmaster of the Order. The palace consists of large rooms with high ceilings where state functions have taken place in the past and quite possibly still do (the old throne room is where the President accepts foreign ambassadors). As has no doubt been mentioned before, it’s a self tour with an audio handset so you can take your own time on the tour which I prefer. The highlight at the end of the tour is the armoury which contains dozens of suits of armour used by the knights and equally a large number of weapons used by the knights (swords, muskets, cannons) which show how armour and weapons changed during that period. All in all an excellent place to visit and a great illustration of the history of this remarkable island.
