One World - Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (6)

The breakwater was constructed between 1903 and 1908 and consists of four sections, three of which are still in place. The two main arms at St Elmo and Ricasoli points are 410m apart.

It is constructed of quarried local hard stone obtained from Mistra, concrete blocks and caissons, grouted and reinforced by concrete.

The smallest section is at the St Elmo Point landing and is integrated into the rocky outcrop beneath Fort St Elmo. A steel bridge spanning over the open section between St Elmo Point and the main arm of the breakwater was damaged in 1942 by an E-boat attack during the Second World War and was later removed.

The central part of the breakwater consists of a long arm measuring 390m having a bullnose at its eastern end, where a lighthouse and former keeper's lodge are located. At the north-western tip of Fort Ricasoli near the former Orsi Tower foundations is another small section of the breakwater which is approximately 123m long, having a small beacon on its bullnose.

Mepa scheduled the Grand Harbour Breakwater as a Grade 1 engineering feat of national significance as per Government Notice number 276/08 in the Government Gazette dated March 28, 2008.