Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna – the Malta Heritage Trust is a voluntary non-governmental organisation active in the field of heritage preservation. It looks after several historic buildings and sites in Malta, all of which are open to the public.

It’s properties cover all period’s of Malta’s 7,000-year-old history, from pre-history to the 20th century. These range from a megalithic temple at Kordin to a great baroque gate once serving as the main entrance into the imposing 7km long Cottonera bastioned ramparts; and from a Victorian fort armed with the world’s largest cannon to 20th century concrete defences. Emphasis is made at all of these sites to faithfully provide the visitor with the highest form of interpretation that will make both the site friendly and the visit memorable.
All sites are cared for by a combination of paid staff supported by volunteers. The latter, freely dedicate much of their time and effort to maintain these sites to the highest order possible.

The Main Objectives of the foundation shall be those to:
1. Encourage the better understanding and preservation of the cultural heritage of the Maltese islands.
2. To undertake the rehabilitation and restoration of any cultural property be it its own or that of other parties.
3. To undertake the management of any property both for cultural and commercial uses.
4. To join in partnership with other parties for the achievement or furtherance of its goals.
5. To encourage heritage appreciation and preservation on a local level through the establishment of local groups based at town or village level.
6. To transmit its objectives and deeds through published, electronic or any other means.
7. To establish and run cultural collections into museums.
8. To recreate aspects from the past through historical re-enactments.
9. To establish a database and resource center for documentation and other types of information related to the historical heritage of the Maltese Islands.

Direction
Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is governed by a board of trustees, which board is elected by members during an annual general meeting. Annual general meetings are held every year, however board members are elected every other year for a two-year period. The role of the trustees is that of formulating general policy for the trust. They are also to safe-guard the aims of the foundation as spelled out in the Statute. The board is non-executive and is presided by a chairperson who is elected from amongst the board members.

Management
The daily management of the trust is entrusted to the office of the Chief Executive Officer. This office is made up from a small core of full-time personnel assisted by part-time and volunteer staff. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all the functions of FWA. He is also the legal representative of the Trust.

Funding
Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna funds its activities through the following sources:
a) Membership fees, voluntary contributions and sponsorships
b) Management of its own sites as cultural attractions
c) Provision of heritage related services to public authorities and the private sector

FWA is a non-profit organisation, yet it aims at generating its own funds through the provision of services, which are in line with its nature of activity. This is done in an effort to lessen its dependence on third party benevolence and government assistance. Furthermore, such activity serves to make the best out of the great wealth of heritage sites, which are held in trust by FWA. In this way, all sites are made as sustainable as possible thus ensuring their long-term maintenance for the better enjoyment of the general public.

Properties & Attractions
We have various historical attractions which are open on a daily basis. To find out more, either click on the site links below, or contact our head office between 8.00am and 16.30pm.

Fort Rinella (Kalkara)
Fort Rinella is Malta’s liveliest museum where history comes to life daily. Throughout the year, from Monday to Sunday at 14.30hrs sharp, employees dressed as late 19th century Victorian soldiers will take visitors on an animated tour around the fort.
Monday - Sunday: 10.00am - 17.00pm (Guided tours on the hour; Animated tour starting at 14.30pm daily)
Adult: €8
Children (under 16yrs): €7
Re-Enactment at 14.30hrs daily € 13
Click here for more information about Fort Rinella

Malta at War Museum (Vittoriosa)
Explore hundreds of yards of rock tunnels and galleries some 40 feet underground! This museum contains an impressive collection of memorabilia from the period of WW11.
Monday - Sunday: 10.00am - 16.00pm (Animated tours daily on the hour)
Adult: €7
Children (under 16yrs): €6

Click here for more information about Malta at War Museum

The Saluting Battery (Valletta)
Explore the battery & its underground ammunition magazines, witness how old guns were loaded and fired!
Monday - Sunday: Guided tours at 11am & 12.15pm
Adult: €5
Children(under 16yrs) €3
Click here for more information about The Saluting Battery

Lascaris War Rooms (Valletta)
Please click here for more information

Kordin 111 Neolithic Temples
Please click here for more information

See all and save!
Buy our Multi-site ticket at €22 and you get:
10% discount on all entrance fees
3 Guided tours + re-enactments + 2 filmshows
Free transport between attractions including return to Valletta main bus terminus

Click here to purchase the discount Multi-site ticket from ChooseMalta!

Address:
Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna
Notre Dame Gate, St. Edward's Street,
Vittoriosa, BRG 9038
Malta

Telephone:
(+356) 2180 0992
(+356) 2180 3091

Fax:
(+356) 2180 8446

Email Us