The fortifications built at great expense by the knights during their occupation in Malta were no longer effective against bombardments from the sea. During the latter part of the 19th century, in the reign of Queen Victoria, a number of forts were built at strategic points of Malta to reinforce the island’s defences. Strong fortresses, equipped with heavy guns, became essential to meet the challenge of powerful warships.

Fort Rinella, one of the larger strongholds of this kind, was built between 1876 and 1884. It is in the shape of a large pentagon, and is situated on the north-east shoreline, near the entrance of the Grand Harbour. It was intended to guard the harbour approaches from various sides

In 1876, four heavy guns were commissioned for Rinella, but only two arrived, of which one was installed here, and the other had been placed in Fort Tigne on the opposite side of the Harbour.

This enormous gun can still be seen in its original position at Rinella. It weighs 100 tons, is 10 metres long, and has a calibre of 45 centimetres. The shell fired by this gun weighed 900 kgs. It had a range of 6 km at a velocity of 470 metres per second. It stands in an open barbette (a platform or mound of earth from which guns may be fired over the parapet instead of through embrasures) emplacement surrounded by a ditch. Nearby there are underground ammunition stores and loading rams, which served for the operation of the gun.

Fort Rinella was equipped with several other guns of smaller calibre. Moreover, a series of loopholes were provided on the top of a parapet for rifles and for other small-arms fire.

The fort has a large courtyard with the accommodation quarters for the garrison. The main gate is in the rear façade of the building.

Rinella fort, one of the forts built during the reign of Queen Victoria, is now being cared for by a trust called “Wirt Artna: Moviment tal-Harsien ta` l-Ambjent storiku”, and is open to the public.