Final stop! Fort St Angelo is Malta’s closing marker along the Camino Maltés pilgrimage
The route is part of the European Camino de Santiago, comprising of Sicily, Sardinia and Spain.
Fort St Angelo, an iconic historical site in Malta, has been adorned with a significant marker, indicating it as the final local stop along the Camino Maltés pilgrimage route before pilgrims set off towards Sicily. The placement of this marker cements Malta's place as one of the starting points for the Camino de Santiago, a revered pilgrimage route spanning multiple European countries.
The Camino Maltés, a route approximately 3,600km long, includes not only Malta but also Sicily, Sardinia, and Barcelona. This ambitious initiative, made possible by local entities including Heritage Malta, has garnered attention and interest from pilgrims worldwide. In its initial months, over 300 people from more than 15 countries have embarked on the Camino Maltés journey.
The Maltese segment of the route stretches approximately 35km, beginning at Saint Paul's Grotto in Rabat, passing through Żejtun, Fort St Angelo in Birgu, and finally reaching Valletta. From Valletta, pilgrims take a ferry to Sicily to continue their spiritual odyssey.
Fort St Angelo, chosen as the site for the marker, holds immense historical and cultural significance. It embodies the heritage of the Knights of St John and their service, representing maritime routes and its strategic location in the Grand Harbour, connecting with Birgu, the Three Cities, and Valletta. Moreover, Fort St Angelo commemorates local pilgrimages and the profound meaning they hold for believers.