Fortifications of Valletta, Military fortifications in Valletta, Malta
The Fortifications of Valletta form a comprehensive defensive system with thick limestone walls, bastions, cavaliers, and deep ditches that encircle the peninsula. The structures remain visible throughout the city layout and form the foundation of the entire urban plan.
Construction of the fortifications began in 1566 under Grand Master Jean de Valette following the successful defense against Ottoman forces during the Great Siege of 1565. The complex was expanded and reinforced over the following decades to protect the islands from further attacks.
The fortifications represent Renaissance military engineering, incorporating innovative defense techniques that shaped fortress design across the Mediterranean region.
Parts of the walls and ramparts can be walked along, while other sections are best viewed from outside the perimeter. The Fortification Interpretation Centre provides a helpful starting point for understanding the layout and structure.
Fort Saint Elmo at the peninsula's tip contains a network of underground tunnels and chambers that provided shelter during World War II bombardments. These hidden spaces reveal how the fortification continued to serve a protective purpose long after its original military role.
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