Fort Rinella, Kalkara

Castle in Birgu

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Frank Vincentz

Perched on the eastern outskirts of Kalkara, overlooking the entrance to the Grand Harbour, Fort Rinella is one of Malta's most extraordinary military structures. Built in 1878 by the British, it was designed to house and operate the Armstrong 100-ton gun, one of only two such colossal artillery pieces ever constructed (the other being in Gibraltar). This immense gun, capable of firing a 2,000-pound shell over 6,000 yards, represented the height of 19th-century military engineering and reflected Britain's determination to protect its naval routes in the Mediterranean. The fort's construction marked a major shift in military design — one that prioritized low profiles, reinforced earthworks, and mechanical efficiency over the traditional bastioned forts of earlier centuries.

Defending the Empire

The decision to build Fort Rinella came during a time of intense naval rivalry between Britain and Italy. When the Italian Navy armed its latest battleships with similar heavy guns, Britain responded by constructing massive batteries in both Malta and Gibraltar. The 100-ton gun was loaded from the muzzle and powered by steam-driven hydraulics — a groundbreaking system that allowed it to be re-aimed and fired by a crew of 35 men in just six minutes. Though the weapon was never fired in combat, its sheer presence served as a powerful deterrent to potential adversaries. Fort Rinella, together with nearby Fort Ricasoli and Fort Tigné, formed part of a defensive network protecting the Grand Harbour and the British Mediterranean Fleet stationed there.

From Obsolescence to Preservation

As military technology advanced, Fort Rinella's massive gun soon became obsolete. By the early 20th century, new quick-firing and breech-loading artillery rendered the 100-ton gun cumbersome and outdated. During World War II, the fort was briefly repurposed for observation and storage, but its massive cannon remained silent. After decades of neglect, the site was rediscovered and restored by the Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (Malta Heritage Trust), which recognized its exceptional historical value. The restoration not only preserved the fort's architecture but also brought the world's last surviving Armstrong 100-ton gun back to life, turning Fort Rinella into one of the most unique military museums in Europe.

Visiting Fort Rinella Today

Today, Fort Rinella offers visitors a truly immersive experience in Victorian military life. Daily re-enactments bring the fort's history to life, featuring uniformed guides who demonstrate the loading and operation of the giant gun, along with live displays of historical weaponry and drills. The museum also includes interpretive exhibits on British colonial military engineering, naval defense, and Malta's role in the British Empire. The fort's location provides spectacular views of the surrounding coastline and harbors, adding to the sense of history and scale. Whether you're a military history enthusiast or simply curious about Malta's layered past, Fort Rinella is a must-see — a place where the technological ambition of the Victorian era meets the resilience of Maltese heritage.

The Fort Rinella, Kalkara appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Birgu!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!