This fort lies at the end of the city of Birgu (Vittoriosa) on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. It was the chief defensive military edifice of the Order of St. John before the Great Siege (1565). Interestingly enough it was not defended during the major battle because the Grand Master (La Valette) decided that it would not provide a good example to the local inhabitants if the knights were relatively safely esconced in this fort while the locals were left to defend themselves as best they could. It later became a major British naval HQ and suffered more than 50 direct hits during the last war; great mirth ensued when it was reported by the enemy that HMS St. Angelo had been sunk.

Apologies if any of the above is incorrect – I am relying on memories of a conducted tour more than 30 years ago! Please feel free to let me know and I will correct them.