Fort St. Angelo

The area around it is possibly the hidden gem of Malta. This fortress has been here since and possibly already before Roman times and was in 1565 the main objective to capture for Suleiman's armada. It was used until 1979 as the headquarters of the British Mediterranean fleet. After the British left there were attempts to turn the fort into a hotel resort, which resulted in some damage and a derelict swimming pool half filled with scum constructed on top of the ancient fortifications. The fort underwent restorations and opened to visitors in 2015. It now houses several exhibits on the history of Malta and the fort itself, and visitors can explore the extensive outdoor areas with sweeping views across the Grand Harbour. The core of the fort (where the Grand Masters lived and worshipped) is now under the care of the Knights of St John, and has been beautifully restored. Those interiors are not open to the public but you can enter the "upper" fort to see the courtyard, gardens and chapel. Entrance to the upper fort is via a gate that looks a bit private, but once you turn the corner you'll see information signs like those in other public areas.