Fort St. Angelo, originally known as Castrum Maris, has been at the heart of Malta’s destiny, evolving from a 12th-century castle to a bastioned fortress pivotal during the Great Siege of 1565. This transformation was spearheaded by the Knights of St. John, who remodeled it into the headquarters of the Grand Master, incorporating extensive artillery platforms. It served various rulers, witnessing significant historical events and undergoing modifications that included the construction of four formidable gun platforms in 1689 by military engineer Carlos Grunenbergh. The British later used it as a naval base, renaming it HMS St. Angelo, where it endured 69 direct hits during World War II.
The fort’s history is not just about military strategies; it’s also shrouded in mystery and tales of the supernatural. Among its spectral residents is the Grey Lady, believed to be the ghost of a mistress of the Castellan De Nava, whose presence was notably felt during the early 1900s and World War II, allegedly saving soldiers’ lives. Additionally, the ghosts of Ottoman soldiers, executed during the siege, are said to haunt its walls.
Now open to the public, Fort St. Angelo offers not just panoramic views of the Grand Harbour but also a journey through Malta’s layered history, from its strategic military importance to intriguing tales of its otherworldly inhabitants.
