Fort Ricasoli

The scene

A full third of the Colosseum, some sixteen metres high, was built inside this vast 17th-century fort at the mouth of the Grand Harbour, where most of the film's Rome was shot over nineteen weeks.

How to visit

Fort Ricasoli is a working film location and not reliably open to walk-ins, but its dramatic seaward walls are best seen from a Grand Harbour boat tour out of Valletta or Birgu, which pass directly beneath it.

Address: Fort Ricasoli, Kalkara, Malta · Open in Google Maps

• The Three Cities of Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua face the fort across the water.
• Valletta's Upper Barrakka Gardens give a panoramic view over the whole Grand Harbour.

Good to know

What was filmed at Fort Ricasoli?

A full third of the Colosseum, some sixteen metres high, was built inside this vast 17th-century fort at the mouth of the Grand Harbour, where most of the film's Rome was shot over nineteen weeks.

Can you visit Fort Ricasoli?

Fort Ricasoli is a working film location and not reliably open to walk-ins, but its dramatic seaward walls are best seen from a Grand Harbour boat tour out of Valletta or Birgu, which pass directly beneath it.

Where is Fort Ricasoli?

Fort Ricasoli is a real filming location in Malta. Fort Ricasoli, Kalkara, Malta

More to film-spot in Malta

landmark·Gladiator II

Fort Manoel

The star-shaped 18th-century fort on Manoel Island became the gladiator training school where Lucius is drilled before he is sent to the arena.

landmark·Gladiator II

Fort Delimara

The gloomy tunnels beneath the Colosseum, where gladiators wait in the dark to be sent up into the light, were shot inside this remote coastal fort near Marsaxlokk.