Fort San Lucian, Marsaxlokk

Name: Fort San Lucian
Address: Marsaxlokk, Malta

#2 among attractions in Marsaxlokk

Top attraction, Forts and castles

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Facts and practical information

Fort San Lucian, also known as Saint Lucian Tower or simply Fort San Luċjan, stands as a bastion of history in the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, Malta. This coastal fortification, constructed in 1610 by the Order of Saint John, was strategically placed to guard Marsaxlokk Bay against Ottoman and pirate incursions.

The fort is an exemplary piece of military architecture, showcasing the skill and foresight of its builders. Built on a promontory, it commands impressive views of the bay and the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. Its design is a testament to the evolution of military fortifications during the period, featuring a central tower surrounded by a lower battery platform which was later added in the 18th century to mount more artillery.

Throughout its history, Fort San Lucian has played a crucial role in the defense of Malta, particularly during the Great Siege of 1565. In later years, under British rule, the fort underwent modifications to house more modern armaments, reflecting the changing nature of warfare and the importance of Malta as a strategic naval base.

Today, Fort San Lucian is not only an imposing landmark but also a cultural asset, reflecting the island's rich history and resilience. While it is not always open to the public, when it is, visitors can explore the fort's grounds and learn about its storied past. Its robust walls and well-preserved features continue to attract historians, architectural enthusiasts, and tourists alike.

Alternative names: Built: 1610 (415 years ago)Coordinates: 35°49'49"N, 14°32'36"E

Address

Marsaxlokk Malta

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Marsaxlokk

Day trips

Fort San Lucian – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Għar Dalam, Fort Delimara, Parish Church of Our Lady of Pompei, Saint George Redoubt.

1 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Specialty museum
Għar Dalam, Cottonera
25 min walk • Għar Dalam is a 144 metre long phreatic tube and cave, or cul-de-sac, located in the outskirts of Birżebbuġa, Malta. The cave contains the bone remains of animals that were stranded and subsequently became extinct in Malta at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum.
0.9 miSE
Forts and castles
Fort Delimara, Marsaxlokk
24 min walk • Nestled on the rocky coast of Marsaxlokk, Fort Delimara stands as a sentinel guarding the southeastern tip of Malta. This imposing fortification, constructed between 1876 and 1888, is a remarkable example of British military architecture and the island's rich military...
0.8 miN
Church
Parish Church of Our Lady of Pompei, Marsaxlokk
20 min walk • The Church of Our Lady of Pompei is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk in Malta.
0.7 miW
Church, Forts and castles
Saint George Redoubt, Malta Island
19 min walk • Saint George Redoubt is a redoubt in Birżebbuġa, Malta. It was built in 1714–1716 by the Order of Saint John as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the Maltese Islands, and it got its name from a chapel dedicated to St.
1 miSE
Vernacular architecture, Lighthouse
Delimara Lighthouse, Malta Island
27 min walk • The Delimara Lighthouse is an active lighthouse on the island of Malta. It is the second lighthouse to be built on the Delimara point near Marsaxlokk at the southern end of the island.
1.3 miNE
Forts and castles
Saint Paul's Battery, Malta Island
34 min walk • Saint Paul's Battery, also known as Ta' Lombardi Battery, is an artillery battery in Marsaxlokk, Malta. It stands on high ground at the shoreward end of Delimara Point, above il-Ħofra-z-Zgħira.
0.7 miW
Church
St George's Chapel, Malta Island
19 min walk • St George's Chapel or the Church of St George the Martyr, is a small Roman Catholic church located in the village of Birżebbuġa, Malta.
1.2 miNE
Temple, Ancient Greek architecture
Tas-Silġ, Marsaxlokk
30 min walk • Tas-Silġ is a rounded hilltop on the south-east coast of the island of Malta, overlooking Marsaxlokk Bay, and close to the town of Żejtun.
1.1 miW
Archaeological site
Ta' Kaċċatura, Birżebbuġa
27 min walk • Ta' Kaċċatura is an archaeological complex in the outskirts of Birżebbuġa, in southern Malta. The complex includes a rustic Roman villa and a number of underground cisterns. The rustic villa confirms the presence of a thriving olive oil industry in this part of the Maltese islands.
0.6 miW
Forts and castles
Pinto Battery, Marsaxlokk
16 min walk • Pinto Battery, also known as Għżira Battery or Kechakara Battery, is a former artillery battery in Birżebbuġa, Malta. It was built by the Order of Saint John between 1715 and 1716 as one of a series of coastal fortifications around the coasts of the Maltese Islands.
0.8 miW
Archaeological site
Borġ in-Nadur, Malta Island
21 min walk • Borġ in-Nadur is an archaeological site located in open fields overlooking St George's Bay, near Birżebbuġa, Malta. It is occupied by a Tarxien phase megalithic temple as well as the remains of a Bronze Age village which includes the earliest fortification in Malta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Fort San Lucian?

Nearby attractions include Vendôme Tower, Marsaxlokk (13 min walk), Pinto Battery, Marsaxlokk (16 min walk), Saint George Redoubt, Malta Island (19 min walk), St George's Chapel, Malta Island (19 min walk).