Fort Campbell is a former British fort on the Selmun peninsula in Mellieħa, Malta, built to defend the approaches to nearby bays and seaplane landing areas. Now in ruins, it offers a look at Malta’s coastal military history. For a wider outing, things to do in Xemxija can help fill out your time in the area.
- Location: Selmun peninsula, Mellieħa, Malta
- Built: 1937–1938
- Former military use: 1938 to the 1970s
- Setting: Roughly halfway between Mistra Battery and the ruins of Għajn Ħadid Tower, facing St Paul’s Islands
Fort Campbell’s place in Malta’s coastal defences
Fort Campbell was built as part of Malta’s coastal defences, with a role protecting the approaches to Mellieħa Bay and St Paul’s Bay.
Built by the British in 1937–1938, the fort was in use from 1938 to the 1970s. It took over the role of Wardija Battery, which had been built in 1915. Its position on the Selmun peninsula also gave it a view towards St Paul’s Islands and the waters around Mistra Bay, where British seaplanes landed.
Fort Campbell is also known as Forti Campbell and Il-Fortizza ta’ Selmun. It is described as the last major fortification built in Malta. The site now lies in ruins, and its historical value and surroundings received official recognition through scheduling.
A University of Malta dissertation published in 2007 documented the fort’s historical, architectural and military significance. The record also raised the question of how widely that significance was recognised by society at the time.
How do you get from Xemxija to Fort Campbell?
Fort Campbell is about an 18-minute drive from Xemxija Bay Hotel, or about a 53-minute walk. You can choose between driving and walking based on the time you have. A one-day itinerary for Xemxija can help you plan the rest of your day.
The fort sits on the Selmun peninsula in northern Malta. It is positioned roughly halfway between Mistra Battery and the ruins of Għajn Ħadid Tower, facing St Paul’s Islands. That coastal location helps explain its defensive role, but details about the paths and final approach are not available, so plan to verify those before setting out.
For a visit to the fort, consider Xemxija Bay Hotel.
Access, paths and what to verify
Before setting out, check the official site before you go. Confirm whether you can access the site and whether any visitor rules apply; do not assume that you can enter the historic remains.
If access is permitted, keep to any designated paths and follow on-site instructions.
Nearby places to combine with the visit
Mistra Battery is another coastal fortification to consider alongside Fort Campbell. You can compare the two sites as historic defensive positions along this part of Malta’s coast. For details about the other site, read how Mistra Battery fits into a visit from Xemxija.
Fort Campbell’s setting between Mistra Battery and Għajn Ħadid Tower also gives context to its place in the coastal landscape. Xemxija offers other sights and stops to include in a wider outing.
FAQs
Where is Fort Campbell?
It is on the Selmun peninsula in Mellieħa, Malta, facing St Paul’s Islands.
When was Fort Campbell built?
The British built it in 1937–1938. It was in military use from 1938 to the 1970s.
What is Fort Campbell also called?
It is also known as Forti Campbell and Il-Fortizza ta’ Selmun.