Fort Ricasoli

Fort Ricasoli stands on Kalkara's headland at the eastern side of the Grand Harbour entrance in southeastern Malta, directly opposite Fort St Elmo in Valletta. The Knights of St John built it between 1670 and 1698, and it was named after the Knight Giovanni Francesco Ricasoli, who helped fund its construction. It was one of the largest fortifications built by the Order, and with Fort St Elmo it controlled the harbour mouth and covered the approach with crossfire. The fort follows a bastioned design, with thick walls, a large parade ground, and a main gateway with a Baroque entrance. Its extensive ramparts enclose barracks and storehouses, some of which were built or modified under British rule in the nineteenth century, when the fort remained a garrison and artillery post. During the Second World War it was used as part of the harbour defences. Its large, atmospheric spaces and sea views have made it a popular film location, and productions have used it to stand in for ancient and medieval settings. Today the fort is in a state of partial decay, with long stretches of wall needing repair, and conservation work by Heritage Malta and partners has been intermittent. The fort is not regularly open to individual visitors, and access is usually by organised event, special open day or permit. The exterior can be seen from boat tours of the Grand Harbour and from the Valletta waterfront, which offer the best view of its scale. It is not a UNESCO site, but it forms an important part of the historic harbour defence system. Visitors planning to see it should check with Heritage Malta for event dates.