Valletta offers natural harbors on both sides of the peninsula on which it is located. Each harbor is protected by massive fortifications and forts along its shores. The fortifications were continuously improved by the local rulers (first the Knights of Malta, then the British) and repelled many attackers over the centuries.

Most noticeably, they repelled the Ottomans during the Great Siege of Malta. The event marked the end of Ottoman naval supremacy in the Mediterranean.

OUV

I fully concur with Ralf's assessment. This would be a obvious and well warranted extension to the Valletta WHS. Honestly, without researching the proper boundaries of the Valletta WHS, it feels like the surrounding forts are already part of it anyhow. A separate inscription meanwhile would be redundant. So yes for an extension. And no for a separate site.

Getting There

Fort St Elmo is located on the tip of the Valletta peninsula. It houses the National War Museum and should be included in any visit of Valletta.

From the Lower Barraka Gardens you get great views of Fort St Angelo (picture). To visit, you are best served to take the regular (every 30min or so) Three City Ferry.

To the North you find Fort Tigne and Dragut Point. From this spot the corsair Dragut bombarded Fort St Elmo during the Ottoman siege. In later 19th century the British built batteries here. The Silema ferry takes you here. At the time of writing construction work was ongoing. This side gives you the standard photo opportunity for Malta.