British Royal Engineers built Fort Rinella between 1878 and 1886 at a time when the Islands were threatened by the supremacy of the Italian navy. The fort was therefore equipped with a massive 100-ton gun as a coastal battery, designed to become the world’s largest cannon.

The gun, still on show at Fort Rinella, has a barrel almost 10-metres long and could fire a one-ton shell about three miles. During WWII, the fort served as a coastal watching point for the British forces. The fort museum depicts the life of the British garrisons based here and shows how the great gun was operated. It also houses a collection of militaria and ordnance.

RE-LIVE HISTROY AT FORT RINELLA
Throughout the year, from Tuesday to Sunday at 14.30hrs sharp, volunteers dressed as late 19th century Victorian soldiers will take visitors on an animated tour around the fort.