The Saluting Battery
Valletta, Malta
Duration
30 minutes
Entry
Free to view from the Lower Barrakka; small fee to enter the battery platform
Hours
Daily noon firing; battery open mornings — check the official website for current times
Cruise
Day Trip ✓
A historic artillery battery on the Lower Barrakka terrace that fires daily noon-day gun salutes, offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
Local Tip
Arrive by 11:45 to get a good viewing spot — the noon firing draws a crowd and the blast is surprisingly loud.
The Saluting Battery is one of Valletta's oldest and most distinctive traditions. Located on the Lower Barrakka terrace overlooking the Grand Harbour, the battery has been firing ceremonial gun salutes since the time of the Knights of St John. Today, a team of costumed gunners in historic uniform fires a restored muzzle-loading cannon at noon every day, a practice revived in 2004 after a long hiatus.
The battery platform, which can be entered for a small fee, houses a collection of historic artillery and offers some of the finest views across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities. The noon-day gun is a popular free spectacle visible from the adjacent Lower Barrakka Gardens.
⭐ Highlights
- ✓Daily noon-day gun firing by costumed gunners
- ✓Restored muzzle-loading cannon from the Knights' era
- ✓Panoramic Grand Harbour views from the battery platform
- ✓One of Malta's oldest living military traditions
- ✓Historic artillery collection on the platform
How to Get There
The Saluting Battery is at the eastern end of Valletta, at the Lower Barrakka Gardens. It is a 10-minute walk from the City Gate bus terminus, or 5 minutes from the cruise terminal via the Barrakka Lift.
Open in Google MapsBest Time to Visit
Arrive by 11:45 AM for the noon firing. Mornings offer the best light for harbour photography. The battery platform is open before the noon firing.
Visitor Tips
- 💡The noon firing is free to watch from the Lower Barrakka Gardens
- 💡Cover your ears — the blast is loud and echoes off the harbour walls
- 💡A small fee gives access to the battery platform itself
- 💡Combine with the nearby Siege Bell War Memorial and Lower Barrakka Gardens
📍 Nearby Attractions
- Lower Barrakka Gardens
- Siege Bell War Memorial
- Barrakka Lift
- Fort St. Angelo
- Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)
The Saluting Battery — Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry to The Saluting Battery free?
Entry to The Saluting Battery costs Free to view from the Lower Barrakka; small fee to enter the battery platform.
How long should I spend at The Saluting Battery?
We recommend spending around 30 minutes at The Saluting Battery to see the highlights.
What are the opening hours of The Saluting Battery?
The Saluting Battery is open: Daily noon firing; battery open mornings — check the official website for current times.
Where is The Saluting Battery in Malta?
The Saluting Battery is located in Valletta, Malta.
Is The Saluting Battery suitable for cruise day visitors?
Yes, The Saluting Battery is cruise-friendly and easily accessible from Valletta's cruise terminal during a day visit to Malta.
What's the best tip for visiting The Saluting Battery?
Arrive by 11:45 to get a good viewing spot — the noon firing draws a crowd and the blast is surprisingly loud.
