Top Attractions in Kalkara

Kalkara Essentials

Kalkara is defined by its significant military architecture and maritime heritage overlooking Malta's Grand Harbour. The area features massive fortifications like the 17th-century Fort Ricasoli and the Victorian-era Fort Rinella, which houses the world’s largest muzzle-loading cannon. The village is also home to the former Royal Naval Hospital Bighi complex, now transformed into the Esplora Interactive Science Centre. Along the coastline, the landscape includes scenic viewpoints of the Valletta skyline and the modern choreographed musical fountain at SmartCity.

Kalkara Essentials — Map

HJ Moyes / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Fort Rinella

The Rinella Battery was a Victorian battery in Kalkara, Malta. It is commonly referred to as Fort Rinella, although it was never classified…

Tony Hisgett / CC BY 2.0

B

Fort Ricasoli

Fort Ricasoli is a bastioned fort in Kalkara, Malta, which was built by the Order of Saint John between 1670 and 1698.

C

Esplora

An interactive science centre located in the former Royal Naval Hospital Bighi. It features over 200 exhibits, a planetarium, and an outdoor activity area focused on hands-on learning.

D

Villa Bighi

A 19th-century neoclassical villa that served as the primary Royal Naval Hospital for the British Mediterranean Fleet. It currently houses the Malta Council for Science and Technology.

E

Forti Santu Rokku

A coastal battery built by the British between 1872 and 1873. It was part of a series of fortifications designed to defend the coastline between Fort Ricasoli and Fort Rinella.

ChelseaPike / CC-BY-SA

F

Kalkara

A waterfront vantage point offering panoramic views across the Grand Harbour toward the Three Cities and the fortified capital, Valletta.

G

Musical Fountain

A large choreographed fountain located at SmartCity Malta, featuring daily shows with synchronized water jets, multi-colored LED lighting, and music.