Fort St. Angelo, located in the heart of Malta’s Grand Harbour in Birgu, is one of the island’s most iconic historical sites. With a rich past spanning centuries, it has witnessed medieval battles, legendary hauntings, and even the imprisonment of the famous artist Caravaggio. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking panoramic views and a deep dive into Malta’s fascinating history.
The History of Fort St. Angelo
From Ancient Temple to Medieval Castle
- The site dates back to prehistoric times and was once home to a temple dedicated to Astarte, the Phoenician goddess of fertility.
- By the 13th century, a medieval castle called Castrum Maris (Latin for ‘castle of the sea’) stood on this strategic location.
- When the Order of St. John arrived in Malta in 1530, they chose to settle in Birgu and transformed the partially abandoned castle into their headquarters.
The Great Siege of 1565 and the Knights’ Stronghold
- Between 1530 and 1560, the Knights of St. John fortified the castle, renaming it Fort St. Angelo.
- The fort played a decisive role in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, resisting the Ottoman invasion.
- In the 1690s, engineer Carlos de Grunenbergh reconstructed the fort, equipping it with four batteries of cannons, giving it its current appearance.
British Rule and World War II
- From 1800 to 1979, during British rule, the fort was classified as a stone ship and renamed HMS Egmont and later HMS St. Angelo.
- Severely damaged during World War II, the fort was later restored and remains an essential part of Malta’s maritime heritage.
Aerial photo of Il Borgo. Photo https://exclusivevenues.mt/
The Residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta
Fort St. Angelo served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John from 1530. Today, parts of the historic site, including St. Anne’s Chapel and the Homedes Bastion, are leased to the Order of Malta for 99 years.
The Order of Malta uses the bastion for:
- Cultural and historical events, celebrating its rich past.
- Humanitarian missions, providing aid to those in need.
- Diplomatic relations, maintaining neutrality in international affairs.
The Legend of Lady Grey: Fort St. Angelo’s Famous Ghost
One of the most chilling legends associated with Fort St. Angelo is that of Lady Grey, a ghostly figure said to haunt the fort.
- The story dates back to the 1240s when Malta was under the rule of the Kingdom of Aragon. Lady Grey was allegedly the mistress of Captain di Nava, a castellan governing the fort.
In a fit of paranoia, he ordered her murder, along with two guards who helped hide her body. - Since then, eerie sightings of a melancholic female figure in a grey dress have been reported.
- Soldiers during World War II claimed she warned them of incoming
bombings, saving many lives. - In the 1960s, during renovations, workers discovered three skeletons sealed within the fort, believed to be Lady Grey and her accomplices.
Caravaggio’s Imprisonment and Escape
The legendary painter Caravaggio was imprisoned at Fort St. Angelo in 1608 after injuring a knight during a fight. He was confined in an underground cell known as the guva, originally a water cistern.
A month later, Caravaggio made a daring escape, scaling the fort’s walls and fleeing to Sicily. The details of his breakout remain one of history’s great mysteries.
Fort St. Angelo’s Role in the Royal Navy
Due to Malta’s strategic location, Fort St. Angelo served as the headquarters of the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet during World War II.
- The fort played a crucial role in military operations, ensuring supply convoys reached British forces.
- A four-level arched building in Senglea served as the residence for British Navy officers and the home of the admiral.
The British Navy officer’s residence in Senglea. Photo: Daniel Cilia.
Visiting Fort St. Angelo
Located at the tip of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Fort St. Angelo is accessible by ferry from Valletta or on foot from Senglea.
- Opening hours: Check Heritage Malta’s official website for up-to-date visiting hours.
- Recommended visit duration: Around 2 hours.
- Tours: Self-guided tours are available with an audio guide app.
A Must-Visit Site for History and Mystery Enthusiasts
Fort St. Angelo is not just a historical fortress; it is a place where history, mystery, and legend intertwine. Whether you are fascinated by medieval battles, ghost stories, or wartime history, this fortress offers an unforgettable experience.
Plan your visit today and step into centuries of Maltese history at Fort St. Angelo!
