St Elmo (Grand Harbour West Breakwater)

The lighthouse was built simultaneously with the breakwater to the grand harbour in Valetta. The Harbour has been used since Roman times and was used by the British as a major naval base from 1812 to the 1970s. However, protection from strong northerly winds and enemy attacks and an increased anchorage in the harbour meant that a breakwater was built from 1903 to 1908. The first stone was laid by King Edward in 1903. The lighthouse was built at the end of the breakwater to signal to ships where the end of the breakwater was located, which is 378m in length. A subway was built inside the breakwater to the lighthouse to ensure access in all weather conditions. A footbridge was installed in 2012 to the breakwater and lighthouse following the destruction of the previous footbridge during WWII.