For those who need a Maltese history refresher; In May of 1565, a sizable Ottoman fleet, comprising about 40,000 soldiers besieged the Islands led by Sultan Suleiman. With only 700 men or so, the Knights were greatly outnumbered with their approximately 8000 Maltese regular troops. The Islanders fled, destroying crops and poisoning wells en route to the fortified towns of Mdina and Birgu (Vittoriosa).

Due to its advantageous location between the two harbours, the remote Fort St. Elmo on the Sceberras peninsula was the target of the Ottomans’ initial attack. Despite several attacks over the course of 36 days, Suleiman’s men were surprised by how long the small Knights’ garrison managed to hold onto the fort. They eventually took over St. Elmo after four weeks, but it cost them greatly, 8,000 men to be precise.

Experience the compelling story of this divisive battle to the death between the two competing Mediterranean superpowers of the era next month. This fascinating guided tour reveals the Fort St. Elmo’s resilience against brutal Ottoman attacks until its eventual capture. It explores the epic stories that took place between May 25 and June 23, 1565. The narration will shed light on a number of areas inside the stronghold, some of which date back to the siege.