Fort Manoel (1726) — a geometrically perfect fort on an island in Marsamxett Harbour. Used as the Great Sept of Baelor in Game of Thrones. Restoration ongoing.
Fort Manoel stands on a small island in Marsamxett Harbour, facing Valletta. Built in 1726 on the orders of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, it was designed to defend Valletta's second harbour — the one not protected by Fort St. Elmo. The island was a natural defensive position: surrounded by water, with an excellent field of fire in every direction.
The fort was designed by French engineer Charles François de Mondion (the same architect who created Mdina Gate). The plan is a perfect quadrilateral with four bastions — a textbook example of 18th-century fortification. At the centre stands a domed chapel that served the garrison as a church. The whole structure is so harmonious and symmetrical that the fort looks almost like a work of art rather than a military installation.
The British used the fort as a lazaretto (quarantine station) for ships entering the harbour. In the 20th century it fell into disrepair. In the 21st century it found new life as a film location — scenes from "Game of Thrones" were shot here (the fort doubled as the Great Sept of Baelor), along with many other productions. Restoration work is ongoing.
Practical tip: Access via bridge from Gżira. Partially closed due to restoration — check current opening hours. View the fort from Tigne Point or the Valletta–Sliema ferry.
Access via bridge from Gżira. Partially restricted — check opening hours.
You haven't created an explorer profile yet
Fort Manoel is one of Malta's Game of Thrones locations. It is a place where screen scenery meets the real geometry of the fort and Manoel Island.
The view toward Manoel and Tigné adds the story of quarantine, fortifications and control over Valletta’s bays.
A former bakery with an original wood-fired oven. Ftira the size of a shield and Maltese rabbit. Explorer Marek and the Commander ate in respectful silence.