Fort Binġemma, Victorian military fort in Rabat, Malta
Fort Binġemma is a polygonal military fortification in Rabat, Malta, positioned at 180 meters above sea level with sheer cliffs dominating its northern side. A defensive ditch runs along the southern perimeter to enhance the structure's protective capabilities.
The fort was built between 1875 and 1878 as a crucial part of Britain's Victoria Lines defense system stretching across northern Malta. It was constructed during a period when the British were reinforcing their military control of the island.
The fort's location reveals traces of an ancient Roman village, indicating the strategic importance of this elevated position throughout multiple historical periods.
The fort is not open to the public as it remains privately occupied by residents who have lived there since the early 1980s. Visitors can view its exterior and elevated position from a distance to appreciate the architectural design and strategic location.
From 1949 to 1952, the fort served as a training and refuge site for Albanian fighters who opposed their country's communist regime. This episode connects the structure's history to Cold War political conflicts in southeastern Europe.
Location: Rabat
Inception: 1875
GPS coordinates: 35.90346,14.36227
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42
Malta contains numerous historical sites and natural landscapes away from the main tourist areas. The islands hold prehistoric temple complexes such as Skorba and Ta' Ħaġrat near Mġarr, Roman remains including the Roman Villa at Żejtun and ancient bath sites, and Ghar Dalam, a cave with Ice Age fossil deposits. The geological diversity appears at locations like Il-Maqluba, a natural sinkhole crater, and the Blue Grotto near Żurrieq, while coastal fortifications such as Mistra Battery and the Red Tower document the island's defensive heritage. Religious sites mark the rural areas, including the Chapel of Santa Marija Tal-Virtu in Rabat and the chapels of Qrendi. The Buskett Gardens and San Anton Gardens provide green spaces with historical significance, while Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park protects coastal habitats. Archaeological complexes like Tas-Silġ show layers of Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine settlement. The Victoria Lines near Rabat, an 18th-century defensive wall, and Fort Binġemma demonstrate military architecture from different periods. Gozo adds locations such as Mgarr ix-Xini, a sheltered inlet, and Il-Qolla l-Bajda Battery.
Skorba Temples
2.4 km
Domvs Romana
4 km
Għajn Tuffieħa
3.5 km
Ta' Ħaġrat Temples
1.8 km
Temple of Proserpina
3.8 km
Castello Zamittello
2 km
Parish Church of the Assumption
1.8 km
Għajn Tuffieħa Tower
3.5 km
Għajn Tuffieħa Roman Baths
2.6 km
Golden Bay
3.8 km
Lippija Tower
2.5 km
Abbatija Tad-Dejr
3.7 km
Nadur Tower
860 m
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Wied Gerżuma
1.2 km
Chapel of San Mikiel Is-Sanċir
2.9 km
Falca Lines
3.6 km
St Oswald's Church, Mtarfa
3.4 km
St Martin's Chapel, Baħrija
1.6 km
St Martin of Tours Parish Church, Baħrija
1.5 km
Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Mtaħleb
2.7 km
Skorba Torso figurine
2.4 km
Red skorba phase lower female part figurine
2.4 km
Skorba Upper part of figurine
2.4 km
Unfinished Skorba figurine
2.4 km
Skorba lower female part figurine
2.4 km
Ghajn Hammam Wash House
3.9 km
Figurine fragments from Skorba
2.4 km
Maltacom Building
3.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes