Shows by re-enactment groups Compagnia San Michele and Show of Arms, together with the Malta Historical Fencing Association were held throughout the day.

Thousands flocked to Fort St Angelo yesterday as the fortification was opened to mark Victory Day, a tradition dating back to 1887.

This was the first time in eight years that the fort was opened to the public on this day after being closed up in 2008.

Fort curator Matthew Bezzina told this newspaper yesterday that the open day was one of many to come, adding that the Vittoriosa fort will be open to the public in the coming weeks, after extensive refurbishment.

A Victory Day memorial service was held next to the memorial of the Great Siege while two Masses were celebrated at the Chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the Chapel of St Anne.

The upper part of the fort, managed by the Knights of Malta was also made accessible to the public, drawing large crowds to the area which is usually closed off.

“People have been exploring different areas of the fort but the upper part is proving to be very popular,” Mr Bezzina said, adding that the opening of the upper part was not a one-off event.

In fact, he went on, an agreement was signed between the Knights of Malta and Heritage Malta, who manages the site, to have the area opened up to the public more often.

According to Mr Bezzina, yesterday’s turnout came as quite a surprise, with at least 3,000 visiting the fort in just the first three hours.

“We were also pleasantly surprised that it was not just tourists who came to visit. Many asked for more information not just about the fort itself but about its links to the war, for instance,” the curator said.

The fort’s interpretation centre was also up and running for the first time yesterday, Mr Bezzina said, making it easier for those who wanted to find out about the fort and its history.

“The interpretation centre is set up in a way that appeals to everyone, from the young boy who does not know what a fortification is to a professor.

“There is also audiovisual material to make it all more interesting,” he went on.

Heritage Malta was entrusted with the publicly accessible parts of the fort in 2007.

Thousands made their way to Fort St Angelo yesterday, which opened its doors for the first time in eight years.

Guided tours were held throughout the day.