Landmarks • 7–10 min
Saluting Battery Guide
A guide to the Saluting Battery: why it’s famous, what to expect, and how to time it so it complements your harbour viewpoint sequence.
Highlights
- ✦A historic harbour tradition next to Valletta’s top viewpoints
- ✦Pairs naturally with Upper Barrakka Gardens
- ✦Best as a short timed add-on (not your whole day)
- ✦Great for photos and atmosphere
At a glance
- Best for
- Harbour culture and a memorable timed moment
- Time needed
- 20–45 minutes around the firing time
- Time guns (official)
- 12:00 + 16:00 (Mon–Sat; see closure dates)
- Opening hours (official)
- Mon–Sat 10:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00)
- Pair with
- Viewpoints + waterfront walk
What the Saluting Battery is
The Saluting Battery is part of Valletta’s historic harbour culture and sits close to the city’s most famous viewpoints. It’s a strong ‘small add-on’ that makes the harbour story feel alive.
Treat it as a scene in your day—something you weave in—rather than the main plan.
How to time your visit
If you want to see a firing, plan your route around it—but keep the rest of your day flexible. Arrive early so you’re not stressed, then let the moment be a bonus, not a pressure point.
- Time-gun firings: Monday to Saturday at 12:00 and 16:00 (check official closure dates and last-entry notes)
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early for a comfortable viewing spot
- Pair it with Upper Barrakka for a full harbour block
Tickets, guided tours, and visitor notes (official)
The Saluting Battery is operated by Wirt Artna, and the official visitor page publishes the practical details (opening hours, last entry, and what’s included). Confirm before you go—holiday closures and times can change.
- Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00)
- Time guns: 12:00 and 16:00 (Monday to Saturday; not on closure dates)
- Tickets listed: Adults €6; Children (5–15) €3; Family (2 adults + 2 children) €15; under‑5s free
- Ticket inclusions listed: guided tour, audio guides, and entry to the Malta Time-Gun Museum
- English guided tours are listed as hourly from 10:15 (last tour 16:05) on opening days
A perfect pairing: battery → viewpoint → waterfront
This is one of the best sequences in Valletta: experience the harbour tradition, then take in the panorama, then descend to the waterfront for blue hour.
- Saluting Battery (timed moment)
- Upper Barrakka Gardens (wide panorama)
- Barrakka Lift down to the waterfront
- Waterfront promenade + ferry detour (optional)
Photography tips
If you’re photographing, think in sequences: capture the context (harbour and walls), then the action, then the crowd reaction and the lingering smoke/light.
- Start wide, then go tight on details
- Use the harbour as your backdrop
- Stay for the post-moment atmosphere
FAQ
Do I need to book for the Saluting Battery?
Often you can visit without a booking, but if you’re planning around a firing time (or a guided option), booking ahead is a good idea. Confirm the latest firing schedule and ticketing details on the official site.