Fort's restoration finds approval

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna congratulated the Ministry for the Infrastructure and the Cottonera Rehabilitation Project for kicking off the much needed and long-awaited restoration of Fort St Angelo, putting an end to the disgraceful state of this important historic fort.

"It is only unfortunate that after the departure of the British Forces from this country in 1979 this fort was allowed to succumb to much misuse and vandalism," FWA said.

"Now that it is being restored it would only be befitting that an appropriate use is found for it, perhaps one that will help accentuate its unique characteristics and at the same time complement the cultural richness of the inner harbour region."

Fort St Angelo is the jewel in the crown of Malta's rich military heritage. The origins of the fort go back some two millennia. For many centuries it was the effective seat of government for these islands as it was resided by many of our foreign rulers. It played an epic role in resisting the Ottoman invader in 1565 and was consequently used by the French and British as the main bulwark for the inner defence of Grand Harbour. For over half a century it has had an intimate connection with the Royal Navy, serving as the headquarters for the Mediterranean fleet, when commissioned first as HMS Egmont and later as HMS St Angelo.

The fort was also used in its days as a high security prison for many an illustrious historical character, such as the great siege hero Grand Master Jean de La Valette, the celebrated baroque period artist Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio and the great Maltese patriot and linguist Mikiel Anton Vassalli, among many others.