Small, but brave: The abandoned Selmun Fort in Mellieha has a few stories to tell
Selmun Fort, or Fort Campbell as it is properly known, is a former fort in the northern town of Mellieha. The British built the fortification in the late 1930s and it was the most important fort situated north of the Victoria Lines. Today, it unfortunately lies in ruins.
Selmun Fort’s past
The fort is located on the Selmun peninsula, around half way between Mistra Battery and the ruins of Ghajn Hadid Tower, facing St Paul’s Islands. It was originally built to protect the area leading to Mellieha Bay and St Paul’s Bay from any incoming attacks. The fort also protected British seaplanes which landed in Mistra Bay.
Selmun Fort was modified throughout World War II, when barracks were built and a radar was installed. It’s not exactly known when the fort was decommissioned, but its strategic importance diminished after 1945 and was nearly closed in 1949. Later, however, the fort fell into military hands and a watchman remained stationed there until the 1970s.
What’s the fort up to nowadays?
Since it was decommissioned, the fort has fallen into a state of neglect and disrepair. While it still retains most of its original features, many rooms are in ruins. The fort has also been victim to repeated vandalism. Due to this, unfortunately, a lot of the damage has left the fort decrepit and decayed.
Iron beams that supported the roof were stolen somewhere along the years, and as a result, some bricks have fallen or are in danger of doing so. The fort is abandoned, so it is possible to venture through the spooky walls, but parts of it are dangerous to visitors, so don't take unnecessary risks.
What else do you know about Selmun Fort?