Animated tour of Fort Rinella

General information

Destination	Category
Malta, Malta	Sightseeing Tours

Program details

Re-live history at Fort-Rinella (home to the Armstrong 100-ton gun) the world largest cannon. Combining lively historical re-enactments with expert commentary this tour offers you a unique window into the past life of the late 19th century Victorian garrison in this coastal fort. During this tour you can witness how the monstrous guns worked, how the fort was defended if attacked, how communications were maintained with nearby forts, how soldiers lived and more. You also fire a cannon. (As this

Re-live history at Fort-Rinella (home to the Armstrong 100-ton gun) the world largest cannon. Combining lively historical re-enactments with expert commentary this tour offers you a unique window into the past life of the late 19th century Victorian garrison in this coastal fort. During this tour you can witness how the monstrous guns worked, how the fort was defended if attacked, how communications were maintained with nearby forts, how soldiers lived and more. You also fire a cannon. (As this tour is mostly visual an English commentary is available when needed).


Fort Rinella was the most technologically advanced war machine of its day. Powered by coal-fired steam driven hydraulics it could fire its monstrous 100-ton gun every six minutes, sending a one-ton shell up to a distance of eight miles to pierce no less than 21 inches (65cm) of ship armour!

Fort Rinella was one of four 100-ton gun batteries built in Malta and Gibraltar for the protection of the harbours. These forts became necessary with the building of two powerful Italian battleships; the Duilio and Dandalo, both armed with four 100-ton guns each in revolving turrets. At the time, Britain used the Mediterranean as a quick route to India and it was feared that the growing naval power of Italy might tip the balance of power in the region.

The 100-ton gun was first developed for Italy by the great British Victorian inventor and industrialist from Newcastle, Sir William George Armstrong. The 100-ton gun was the world’s largest muzzle-loading cannon ever to be built. It has a calibre of 17.72-inches (45cm) and it is 35 feet (11m) long. It fired explosive elongated shot using a quarter of a ton of black powder. The cost of each round equalled the daily salary of 2,700 soldiers!


Meeting/ Pick up point: The tickets (with all the necessary information) will be delivered to the hotels of the guests at least 24 hours in advance.

Pick-up time: Between 1pm and 1.30pm approx.

Duration: Approx. 4 hours.

Others: Please note your booking will not be confirmed if you haven't provided the name and address of your hotel.


Guiding options
Guiding type: Guide