Fort San Salvatore, Grade 1 military fort in Birgu, Malta
Fort San Salvatore is a military fort in Birgu, Malta, built from limestone and featuring two demi-bastions connected by a curtain wall. A surrounding ditch and central parade ground form part of its original design.
French military engineers transformed the bastion into a fortified structure in 1724, integrating it into the Cottonera Lines defensive system. The fort later served various purposes during subsequent periods of rule and conflict.
The name references Saint Salvator, reflecting the religious significance often given to fortifications in this era. Walking through the fort today, you can see how its design embodies the military thinking of the time.
The fort is in deteriorated condition and remains under private ownership, which may limit access for visitors. Check ahead about current accessibility before planning a visit to see what you can explore.
During World War II, the fort served as an internment camp and later housed a kerosene storage facility that exploded after an Italian air raid in 1941. This wartime event left marks on the structure that remain visible.
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