Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1497281
6 HISTORY maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 APRIL 2023 THE public will soon have a whole weekend to explore Fort Delimara and see the progress made so far by Herit- age Malta in bringing the fort back to its pre-1964 state. Fort Delimara, usually kept closed to the public, will be open this coming Sat- urday 22 and Sunday 23 April. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the results of Heritage Malta's efforts to give back to Fort Delimara the digni- ty it deserves. Works have included the thorough cleaning of the underground sections and the parade ground, the removal of several alien accretions and dangerous structures, and the removal of 500 tonnes of illegally dumped waste from the fort's ditch. A new electricity and water system has also been installed. An added attraction during the week- end will be provided by K-9 Urban Search and Rescue Malta and by the Malta Po- lice Force's Mounted Section and Dogs Section. K-9 will be conducting demon- strations on Saturday between 10am and 2pm, while the Mounted Section and the Dogs Section will be present on Sunday. Fort Delimara was built between 1876 and 1878 to defend the approaches to Marsaxlokk Harbour and is a classic example of a Victorian coastal fortifica- tion. Amongst other attractions, the fort still houses four of the original six 38- ton rifled muzzle loading guns which are the last surviving examples in the world, still on their carriages in their original casemate emplacements. The fort remained operational until 1956. It was later used as a farm for more than 25 years, until it was placed under Heritage Malta's protection in 2005. Visitors may buy their tickets at the door. Tickets cost €5 for adults and €2 for children and Heritage Malta mem- bers. These tickets give access to visitors to roam the fort's grounds on their own. Tickets for guided tours are fully booked. A whole weekend for the public to explore Fort Delimara