Saluting Battery - The Last Roll Of Film
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Saluting Battery

4.7
·1k reviews·Valletta, Malta

Witness history come alive with a daily cannon firing and enjoy breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, 11:30 AM

Secure a good spot for noon firing

CrowdMedium
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Saluting Battery - The Last Roll Of Film

Saluting Battery

Best Time

Daily, 11:30 AM

Secure a good spot for noon firing

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness history come alive with a daily cannon firing and enjoy breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A must-do for anyone visiting Valletta, offering a unique blend of history and breathtaking views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Noon Firing

Get there by 11:30 AM for the best free viewing spots. Paid options offer closer proximity.

💰 Small Fee for Big Impact

Pay the small entrance fee for a closer view and an excellent historical tour.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Noon Cannon Firing

Noon Cannon Firing

Saluting Battery

Witness a historic daily ceremony with impressive precision and a loud, memorable boom over the Grand Harbour.

Grand Harbour Views

Grand Harbour Views

Saluting Battery viewing platforms

Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, offering some of the best photo opportunities.

Historical Tour

Historical Tour

Saluting Battery

Engaging and humorous tours explaining the history of the guns and Malta's military past by knowledgeable guides.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Cannon Firing

The Saluting Battery's main event is the cannon firing at noon and 4 PM. Arrive early, especially for the noon show, as viewing spots fill up quickly. Consider paying a small fee for a closer view to avoid crowds and experience the sound up close.

Value Beyond the Bang

For just a few euros, you get access to the battery and an informative tour. Guides are praised for their humor and historical knowledge, making it a worthwhile historical experience with stunning Grand Harbour views.

Best Times

When
Daily, 11:30 AM
Why
Secure a good spot for noon firing
Crowd
Medium
When
Daily, 3:30 PM
Why
Catch the afternoon cannon blast
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Best light for harbor photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Firing of the cannons in Valetta

🎯 Arrive Early for Noon Firing

Get there by 11:30 AM for the best free viewing spots. Paid options offer closer proximity. Reddit

💰 Small Fee for Big Impact

Pay the small entrance fee for a closer view and an excellent historical tour. Reddit

👂 Be Prepared for Loud Noise

The cannon firing is very loud; consider ear protection if sensitive. Reddit

📸 Stunning Harbor Views

The views of the Grand Harbour are spectacular, perfect for photography. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Noon Firing

Get there by 11:30 AM for the best free viewing spots. Paid options offer closer proximity. Reddit

💰 Small Fee for Big Impact

Pay the small entrance fee for a closer view and an excellent historical tour. Reddit

👂 Be Prepared for Loud Noise

The cannon firing is very loud; consider ear protection if sensitive. Reddit

📸 Stunning Harbor Views

The views of the Grand Harbour are spectacular, perfect for photography. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the History

The guided tours are highly recommended for their engaging content and humor. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Saluting Battery, highlighting its historical significance, engaging tours, and breathtaking Grand Harbour views. The daily cannon firing is a major draw, offering a memorable and loud spectacle. While the free viewing area can get crowded, the small fee for closer access and the excellent value of the guided tours make it a highly recommended experience for all.

"So worth a visit, only €3 a person and it included a tour afterwards (30-45 mins) where you learn all about the different types of guns and the history surrounding them. Well worth it. The tour guide (nicknamed sidearm) was brilliant. Very funny and kept us entertained. Also had brilliant views of the three cities and grand harbour."

Angelyna

"​I recently visited the Saluting Battery in Malta and had an excellent time. The experience was truly enjoyable for our entire group. The staff were fantastic - knowledgeable, friendly, and very welcoming, which made the visit even more special. The cannon firing ceremony was impressive and steeped in history, providing a memorable moment. It's a must-do for anyone visiting Valletta, offering a unique blend of history and breathtaking views. We all left with great memories and a deeper appreciation for Malta's rich past. Highly recommended!"

ian ingall

"Definitely a must the cannon is fired at 12 noon and 1600 hours .it does bring a good crowd you can pay to be nearer the gun there is explained by the gun crew the history about why they fire the gun .
But you can stay at the upper viewing point for free and still get a good view..better to pay i would say or of you have the heritage pass you are sorted it's included ."

Matthew Brooks

What People Like

Historic cannon firing
Knowledgeable & funny guides
Stunning harbor views

What People Dislike

Crowded free viewing area
Very loud cannon noise

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Saluting Battery is located just below the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. You can easily walk there from most parts of the city. If arriving by ferry from Sliema, it's a short uphill walk.

Parking in Valletta is limited and can be expensive. It's best to use public transport or walk if staying in the city. The closest parking garages are MCP Valetta and St. James Cavalier.

Yes, numerous bus routes stop in Valletta. From the main bus terminal, it's a pleasant walk towards the Upper Barrakka Gardens, from where you can descend to the battery.

While the main viewing areas offer good vantage points, some parts of the battery might have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check accessibility directly with the venue if you have specific mobility concerns.

Many visitors combine a visit to the Saluting Battery with the Upper Barrakka Gardens. You can descend from the gardens directly to the battery.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There's a small entrance fee, typically around €3 per person, which often includes a guided tour. Some visitors mention that if you have a Heritage Malta Pass, entry is included. Reddit

Booking in advance is generally not required, especially for the free viewing areas. For paid access closer to the cannons, you can usually purchase tickets on arrival, but arriving early is recommended.

The Saluting Battery is typically open daily, with cannon firings at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.

Yes, you can view the cannon firing from an upper viewing point for free. However, this area can get crowded, so arriving early is advised. Reddit

The ticket price usually includes access to the battery's viewing platforms and an informative guided tour that explains the history and operation of the cannons. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The cannons are fired daily at 12:00 PM (noon) and 4:00 PM. Reddit

To witness the noon firing, aim to arrive by 11:30 AM to secure a good spot. The afternoon firing at 4:00 PM is usually less crowded. Reddit

Absolutely! Visitors consistently praise the guides for being knowledgeable, funny, and engaging, making the historical insights very enjoyable. Reddit

The views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities are spectacular and considered some of the best in Valletta, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

Yes, the cannon firing is quite loud, especially if you are close to the cannons. Visitors recommend ear protection if you are sensitive to noise. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The viewing platforms overlooking the Grand Harbour offer incredible panoramic shots. Try to capture the cannons themselves with the harbor in the background.

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light for photographing the harbor and the historic fortifications. The morning light is also good for capturing the details of the battery.

Yes, you can take photos during the cannon firing. Be prepared for the loud noise and the smoke that follows the discharge. Capturing the moment of firing can be very dramatic.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive harbor views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant landmarks across the water. Don't forget a lens cloth for any sea spray!

Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways or the firing area.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Saluting Battery offers an exciting and educational experience for families. The cannon firing ceremony is a guaranteed hit with children, providing a loud and visually impressive spectacle. The guided tours are often delivered with humor and engaging stories, keeping younger audiences entertained while they learn about history. Reddit

Practical tips for families include arriving early for the noon firing to secure a good spot, especially if you prefer not to pay for closer access. Consider bringing ear defenders for younger children who might be sensitive to the loud noise of the cannons. The stunning views of the harbor also provide a great backdrop for family photos.

💰 Budget Travelers

The Saluting Battery is an excellent value for budget travelers. For a minimal entrance fee (around €3), you gain access to a historic site, enjoy spectacular views, and receive an informative guided tour. Reddit The option to view the cannon firing from the upper level for free is also a significant plus, allowing you to experience the main event without additional cost, though it can be crowded. Reddit

Consider visiting during the afternoon firing as it tends to be less crowded than the noon event. Combining this visit with a walk through Valletta and enjoying the free views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens makes for a fulfilling and affordable day out.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Saluting Battery: A Glimpse into Malta's Military Past

The Saluting Battery in Valletta is a historic artillery battery that has played a significant role in Malta's defense for centuries. Perched strategically overlooking the Grand Harbour, it was originally built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century and later expanded by the British. Its primary function was to serve as a ceremonial battery, firing salutes to visiting dignitaries and ships, as well as a defensive fortification.

Today, the battery is meticulously maintained by Heritage Malta, offering visitors a tangible connection to Malta's rich military heritage. The daily cannon firing ceremony, held at noon and 4 PM, is a reenactment of historical traditions. This event is not just a spectacle; it's a carefully orchestrated display that educates visitors about the historical significance of artillery and naval salutes. The guides, often dressed in period attire, bring history to life with their engaging narratives and demonstrations. Reddit

Beyond the firing, the battery itself is a fascinating site to explore. Visitors can see various types of historical cannons, learn about their mechanics, and understand the strategic importance of this location. The breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities from the battery's platforms are an added bonus, making it a must-visit for history buffs and sightseers alike. Reddit

Experiencing the Cannon Firing: Tips from Visitors

The highlight for most visitors to the Saluting Battery is the daily cannon firing ceremony. This event occurs at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. To get the best experience, especially for the noon firing, it's highly recommended to arrive by 11:30 AM. This allows ample time to find a good viewing spot, particularly if you opt for the free upper viewing area. Reddit

For those who want a more immersive experience and don't mind the significant noise, there's an option to pay a small fee (around €3) to stand on the same level as the cannons. This provides a closer perspective and a more intense sensory experience of the firing. Visitors emphasize that while the sound is loud, it's a memorable part of the visit. Reddit Ear protection might be advisable for those sensitive to loud noises. The guides often explain the historical context of the firing just before it happens, adding to the anticipation and understanding of the event. Reddit

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