Cambridge Battery, also known as Fort Cambridge, is a Victorian-era coastal artillery battery at Tigné Point in Sliema, Malta. Built by the British to house a massive gun, it offers a glimpse into the area’s military history and sits close to the waterfront.
- Location: Tigné Point, Sliema
- Built: between 1878 and 1886
- Historical use: from 1884 to 1906
Finding Cambridge Battery on the waterfront
Cambridge Battery stands at Tigné Point, where Sliema meets the coast. It is about a five-minute walk from Sliema Tigne Suites. Its waterfront setting puts it within a wider area of historic fortifications and pedestrian routes.
The battery is part of the Fort Cambridge development, which takes its name from the site. To get a broader sense of the area around the landmark, pair the visit with this guide to Sliema’s neighbourhood and promenade.
What the battery tells visitors about Sliema
The battery reflects the British military presence in Malta during the Victorian era. British forces built it between 1878 and 1886, designing it to house one Armstrong 100-ton gun. It remained in use from 1884 to 1906.
The battery housed a 100-tonne gun and was manned by 35 Royal Garrison Artillery soldiers and an infantry detachment. The site’s scale and coastal position connect it to the wider system of defences around Tigné Point.
Another nearby historic fortification is Fort Tigné, built in 1792 by the Order of St John. British forces later garrisoned it from 1805 until 1979.
Access and what to expect on site
Cambridge Battery is a historic site within the Fort Cambridge development, but public visiting hours and a booking process are not specified. Treat it as a waterfront landmark to view from the surrounding area rather than assuming you can enter the structure.
The original battery has been restored. Before planning a visit around access details, check the official site before you go.
How can you add it to a Tigné Point walk?
Tigné Point has other historic and waterfront features that can help shape a longer walk. The Garden Battery is a coastal line of gun emplacements built by the British military in 1894 to connect Fort Tigné with Cambridge Battery.
The Belvedere Walkway runs along the south side of Tigné Point, linking Sliema Ferries with the foreshore restaurants. A 40-metre cycle and pedestrian bridge connects Tigné Point South and Pjazza Tigné to the Q residential towers and the north-side seafront promenade. These routes give you options for extending a visit around the point.
For a wider walking plan that includes other ways to get around Sliema, see this one-day Sliema itinerary. For accommodation details, visit Sliema Tigne Suites.
FAQs
Where is Cambridge Battery?
It is at Tigné Point in Sliema, Malta, within the Fort Cambridge development.
When was Cambridge Battery built?
British forces built it between 1878 and 1886. It was in use from 1884 to 1906.
What was the battery built to house?
It was designed for one Armstrong 100-ton gun.
Is Cambridge Battery open to visitors?
Public visiting hours and a booking process are not specified, so confirm access details before planning to enter.