Fort Rinella

 

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary from the start of the Fort Rinella Restoration Project & Museum in 1991, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is holding a full-day of special activities centered on the daily life of the Victorian garrison at Fort Rinella. 

See how soldiers trained, where they lived, what they ate and drunk and what weapons they used to defend the island against the various potential enemies of the Realm.

 

Soldiers of the Queen Museum Exhibition

View also for the first time the new extensive museum exhibition ‘Soldiers of the Queen’ which occupies the whole of the soldiers’ barrack block. Spread over nine rooms and a long corridor, this exhibition explains the history of Queen Victoria’s not always glorious army, the many campaigns it fought throughout her long reign and the different enemies it faced. 

See how this army which started off as a bedraggled mob evolved into the world’s finest fighting machine by the end of the 19th century. Learn about how its quest for ever improved weaponry and soldier conditions had influenced British industry and invention and public life at large. See a rich collection of period weaponry, dress, documents and memorabilia which you will see nowhere else in Malta.

 

On the same occasion, you will also have the opportunity to see the recently restored ammunition magazine and loading chambers along with a revamped Armstrong 100-ton gun and a lot more.

 

Day Programme

11.00hrs – opening to the public

11.15hrs – Guided tour of the fort

11.45 – Military Signalling Display

12.15 – Guided tour of the Soldiers of the Queen Exhibition

12.30 – Bayonets & Sword Display

13.15 – Army food – hands-on display and talk

14.00 – Guided tour of the Soldiers of the Queen Exhibition

14.45 – Tour of the Fort

15.30 – Cavalry display & live-cannon firing

 

 

Film shows: throughout the day – Fort Rinella & its 100-ton gun & The Fort Rinella Project – 25 years later (Simultaneously in different parts of the fort)