Things to see and do Kalkara

It's home to the world's biggest cannon! In fact, one of two 100-ton cannons built by the British army; the second is in Gibraltar.

With its 10 m length and 44 cm calibre, the machine could send a one-ton projectile over 5 km and pierce up to 50 cm of armour. The tour includes a look at the warehouses where these giant "munitions" are stored, and an explanation of how the cannon is loaded.

Shaped like a pentagon, Fort Rinella was built between 1878 and 1886 and dismantled in 1906. It is one of the many forts built in Malta under Queen Victoria in the ^19th century to reinforce Malta's defenses.

Every afternoon at 2.30pm, a historical re-enactment brings the cannon and its Victorian garrison to life. A museum has been set up inside the fort, featuring military costumes and period furniture.

On the peninsula behind Kalkara and opposite Fort Saint-Elme stands Fort Ricasoli, which played an important role during the Great Siege (the great battle against the Turks in 1565).

Designed by military architect Maurizio Valperga, its construction was financed by Italian master Giovanni Francesco Ricasoli (hence the fort's name). Grandmaster N. Cottoner then had the Saint-Nicolas chapel built in the courtyard. Its altar is decorated by Mattia Preti.

The fort was subsequently extended and strengthened according to the needs of the time.

During the ^19th century, the English built numerous casemates, installed modern cannons and barracks for their soldiers. In 1870, the fort was defended by 700 men and 100 artillery pieces. It also played an important role during the Second World War, coming under frequent German attack. Bombs destroyed the Canonniers' house and the Baroque gate.

After the war, the fort became a barracks. Today, it is used as an oil terminal; hence the view of the dumps and the smell of fuel oil. To the right, on the other hand, you come to the forts of Saint-Rocco and Rinella, from which you can see the sea.