Saluting Battery
Historic gun battery above the Grand Harbour in Valletta, where the time-gun is fired at 12:00 and 16:00 from Monday to Saturday, with the Malta Time-Gun Museum.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Saluting Battery stands next to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta and is known for its gun-firing display from Monday to Saturday, which draws audiences throughout the year. The guns are fired at 12:00 and at 16:00; visitors are advised to arrive about 15 minutes early.
The Malta Time-Gun Museum extends the battery. It occupies a sunken artillery battery of the 16th century, part of the original defences of Valletta, below the building of the Malta Stock Exchange (the former St George’s Garrison Church). The museum explains how cannons and time-balls were used to signal the time for navigation at sea and displays cannons, uniforms, instruments and equipment used at the Saluting Battery between 1570 and 1947.
Highlights
- Gun firing at 12:00 and 16:00
- Malta Time-Gun Museum in a 16th-century sunken battery
- View over the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens
Permanent exhibition
- Malta Time-Gun Museum – Cannons, uniforms, instruments and equipment used at the Saluting Battery from 1570 to 1947, and the history of time signals for navigation.
- Operated by
- Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (Malta Heritage Trust)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €1Children aged 5 to 15. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Groups of ten or more get a reduced admission if they pre-book. |
Members of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna enter free. The adult price applies from the age of 16. Buying tickets online is recommended; payment on site is by card only.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
From the main entrance of Valletta follow the signs along South Street to Castille Place, past the Auberge de Castille, to the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shops sell souvenirs, gifts, jewellery and clothing. Toilets on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The battery can be entered from the Upper Barrakka Gardens or from Battery Street. Schools receive discounted entry and on-site supervision. |
