Near the entrance of Fort St. Angelo, a signpost now points to Galicia in Spain, marking the last local stop on the Camino Maltese before pilgrims journey on to Galicia.
Malta’s addition to the list of starting points for the Camino de Santiago was announced by Culture Minister Owen Bonnici in January. This pilgrimage route can begin from various departure points in several European countries.
“Thanks to the efforts of several entities, including Heritage Malta, our country is now one of these starting points, with a route known as the Camino Maltese. This route spans approximately 3,600 kilometers and includes stops in Sicily, Sardinia, and Barcelona,” Minister Bonnici stated.
The portion of the pilgrimage taking place within Malta covers around 35 kilometers. It begins at St Paul’s Grotto in Rabat, descends to Zejtun, continues to Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa, and finally crosses the port to Valletta. From there, pilgrims set sail to Galicia. Since the Maltese route’s introduction, over 300 people from more than 15 countries have embarked on the Camino Maltese.
Fort St Angelo was chosen as the signpost location for various reasons, including its connection to the Knights of St John, the fort’s maritime routes, its strategic position in the Grand Harbour, and its links to Birgu, the Three Cities, and Valletta, as well as the significance of local and international pilgrimages.
The Camino Maltese initiative, led by the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade through the Maltese Embassy in Spain, is a collaborative effort. Key contributors include Heritage Malta, the Malta Tourism Authority, and Xircammini, the official Maltese association representing the International Federation of Friends of the Camino de Santiago.
