© MTA- Jurgen Scicluna

Saluting Battery agreement extended

In 2000, an agreement was reached between Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and MTA to restore the old Saluting Battery located right under the Upper Barracca Gardens in Valletta to its old self, that is as a functional saluting gun battery. The Saluting Battery is one of several heritage sites and monuments cared for by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, in this case with the help of the Malta Tourism Authority and Bank of Valletta.

A joint project was initiated by the Malta Tourism Authority and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna – the Malta Heritage Trust to restore the Saluting Battery back to its former glory. Since then much work has gone into returning this place to its original state complete with a whole line up of historic cannons, reconstructed underground gun powder magazines and side-arm store, the return of an example of each of its past armament and the establishment of a visitor centre to provide information on its long and varied history.

The old Saluting Battery occupies one of the most strategic locations in Valletta, from where complete command of the Grand Harbour can be achieved. It stands on the lower part of the St. Peter & St. Paul's Bastion, at the foot of the wind swept Upper Barracca public gardens and overlooking the majestic Fort St.Angelo. Given its excellent position at the heart of the Grand harbour, this battery was meant to provide crucial inner-harbour defence in case of an attack. This battery was originally built by the order of St. John in the 16th century as part of the main defences of Valletta. It remained in continuous use right through the French and British periods up to just 40 years ago.

This battery is one of Malta's most popular attractions where history is brought to life daily. A noon-day gun is still operated daily at this site to mark the passage of mid-day as done for centuries past. The Saluting Battery served both as a defensive and ceremonial platform from where dignitaries and visiting dignitaries to the island were greeted with gun fire. It also doubled as the official public time marker for the island with the firing of one cannon at noon. Apart from the daily noon-day gun re-enactment, this attraction includes a vast collection of historic artillery stretching some 300 years, an audiovisual presentation and an inter-active guided tour. Open daily (except Christmas, New Year, Good Friday and Easter) from 10.00. with guided tours at 11.00 and 12.15hrs – gun firing at 12.00hrs.

The Saluting Battery in Valletta is an important objective both in terms of our cultural heritage and our tourism product and as such, The Malta Tourism Authority has agreed in part funding the daily firing of the noon–day gun and the marketing of the site.