Malta’s Saluting Battery has become an icon of our country, with the cannon firing across the Grand Harbour being instantly recognisable to many. In fact, over 700,000 tourists and locals flock to it every year. Yet, what many may not know is that its two gun salutes fired every day at noon and 4pm continue to make this the world’s oldest working ceremonial saluting battery. And that’s the story the Malta Time-Gun Museum aims to tell.
Located in the crypt of the former Garrison Chapel, which now houses the Stock Exchange, this recently-opened museum gives visitors a better understanding of the history behind the Saluting Battery.
This starts from the time of the Knights, who constructed the battery in the 16th century close to one used by the Ottomans during the Great Siege of Malta. Over the years, the Battery has held various roles, including a military one during the French period (1798-1800) and World War I.
To tell this story, the Malta Time-Gun Museum has plenty of fascinating and downright cool installations and objects. These range a collection of prints and art depicting the Saluting Battery through the ages to uniforms and even a rare US-built 75mm/18-PR Mark IPA field gun.
Open from 10am to 4.30pm Monday through to Saturday, tickets cost €6 for adults and €3 for children. The fee includes the entrance to the museum, the Saluting Battery, and the Time-gun firings at noon and 4pm. There are also guided tours at 11am, 1pm, and 2pm for the same admission ticket price.
For more information and tickets, you can visit the Saluting Battery’s official site.
