Fort Manoel has stood overlooking Marsamxett Harbour as a monument to Malta's baroque military architecture since the early 18th century, yet few have had the opportunity to set foot inside this impressive fortress.

As restoration works on this important landmark have now reached an advanced stage, Midi plc, the consortium responsible for the restoration, will be hosting an open weekend to give the public an opportunity to view the first phase of the restoration of this fort. The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fort Manoel was built by the Knights of St John to protect Valletta's north-facing bastions from artillery fire from the 'isoletto' in Marsamxetto Harbour. The first stone was laid in 1723 under the patronage of Portuguese Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena and the supervision of world-famous engineer François de Mondion, who would eventually be buried in the fort's crypt.

While its defining characteristics survived the ravages of time, over the centuries Fort Manoel fell into disrepair, especially following the heavy and extensive aerial bombardment endured during World War II. Further damage was also inflicted during peacetime by vandals and souvenir-hunters, and by the end of the 20th century, a derelict ruin was all that remained of this once proud and imposing fortress.

The Open Weekend will comprise scheduled tours around Fort Manoel, in both Maltese and English, as well as an exhibition of the fort's history and other related activities.

One of the highlights of this event will be a series of lectures about the history of the fort throughout the ages, the philosophy behind the restoration methodology and the processes utilised during the restoration project. These are to be conducted by some of Malta's top military historians and restoration experts and will take place within the Polverista at Fort Manoel on Saturday.

Chief executive officer of Midi, Ben Muscat, said: "During the course of the restoration we received numerous requests from individuals and organisations asking to view the fort. This was not always possible, as it depended entirely on the state of works at the time."

Now that the main structural interventions are complete, there is a short gap before internal works commence and it is an ideal opportunity to open the fort to those interested in viewing it. Students from over 50 local schools, some of whom are planning lessons and projects on restoration, were also invited.

"The added awareness that events like this create can only help the future of the many other historic sites and forts all over the island that are still in desperate need of repair," Mr Muscat added.

The revitalisation of Fort Manoel is part of an extensive multi-million euro restoration project undertaken on both Manoel Island and Tignè Point by Midi plc. This mammoth restoration programme includes Fort Tignè, the Lazzaretto and other sites on Manoel Island that are to be restored under the obligations in the lease agreement between Midi and the government.

Works to Fort Manoel are now at an advanced stage, with masonry works to most of the internal buildings and the parade ground now complete.

For more information visit www.midimalta.com/openweek end.