A Small Island with a Remarkable History
Located in the heart of Marsamxett Harbour between Gżira, Sliema, and Valletta, Manoel Island is one of Malta’s most historically significant landmarks. Although relatively small in size, the island has played a major role in the country’s military, medical, and maritime history for over four centuries.
Originally known as Isolotto and later as Bishop’s Island, the island became the property of the Bishop of Malta in 1570 after being acquired by the Cathedral Chapter of Mdina. At the time, it was largely undeveloped, but its strategic location in the middle of Marsamxett Harbour quickly attracted attention. Military planners realized that whoever controlled the island could potentially threaten Valletta and the surrounding harbours.
The island’s first major historical role was not military but medical. In 1592, during a plague outbreak, a temporary quarantine hospital known as a Lazzaretto was built on the island. The facility was dismantled after the epidemic ended, but the importance of quarantine measures in Malta’s busy maritime trade soon became clear. In 1643, the Order of St John acquired the island and established a permanent Lazzaretto to isolate passengers, sailors, and goods arriving from regions affected by disease. This helped Malta protect itself from recurring outbreaks of plague and cholera.
The island received its current name during the reign of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. Between 1723 and 1733, the Knights of St John constructed the impressive Fort Manoel, a star-shaped fortress designed to strengthen the defenses of Valletta and Marsamxett Harbour. The fort was considered a masterpiece of 18th-century military engineering, combining practicality with elegant Baroque architecture. After its completion, both the fort and the island were named in honour of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena.
During the British period, the Lazzaretto continued to operate and was expanded to serve Malta’s growing maritime traffic. The island remained an important health and military facility throughout the 19th century.
Manoel Island also played a significant role during World War II. Fort Manoel served as a naval base for the Royal Navy’s 10th Submarine Flotilla. Heavy bombing raids damaged many structures, including the fort’s chapel, leaving parts of the island in ruins for decades after the war.
