A joint project was initiated by the Malta Tourism Authority and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna to restore the Saluting Battery back to its former glory

The Old Saluting Battery

Dating back to the 16th Century, The Old Saluting Battery in Valletta is strategically positioned on the lower tier of St. Peter and St.Paul's Bastion to completely command the entrance and depth of the Grand Harbour.

Its prominent position also led to its use as a preferred ceremonial platform for the firing of gun salutes and a as public time-marking station. For centuries, the guns of the Saluting Battery have provided ceremonial salutes to visiting dignitaries. Throughout the days of the Order of St. John. The Saluting Battery remained in constant use until 1960.

A joint project was initiated by the Malta Tourism Authority and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna to restore the Saluting Battery back to its former glory. This initiative has already started bearing its fruits; replica shots are now on display at the battery, along with seven original cannon that have recently been restored; with the latter are actually being fired on a daily basis at noon! A hands-on guided tour of the Saluting Battery is also organised twice daily. It is estimated that some 120,000 visitors mostly tourists, visited the Noon Day Gun firing at the Saluting Battery in 2006.

For further information contact;
Product Planning Directorate, MTA or Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna