Fort Ricasoli

Built by the Knights of Malta in the late 16th century to protect the harbor from land and naval attacks, this largely intact fort is now closed to the public and only used by the Malta Film Commission for period films such as Troy and Gladiator, both of which set massive scenes on the site. In 2004, for example, the fort was used to build the entire city of Troy from the ground up, over 10 acres. In one particular scene, the character of Helen is presented to the people of Troy—over 1,200 costumed extras—for the first time. Back in 2000, director Ridley Scott, set his infamous and epic Gladiator fight in the Roman Colosseum here, where a third of it was recreated to a height of 52 feet from plaster and plywood at a cost of $1 million. Parts of the fort were also used to depict the Red Keep in the first season of the HBO series, Game of Thrones.

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Fort Ricasoli

Built by the Knights of Malta in the late 16th century to protect the harbor from land and naval attacks, this largely intact fort is now closed to the public and only used by the Malta Film Commission for period films such as Troy and Gladiator, both of which set massive scenes on the site. In 2004, for example, the fort was used to build the entire city of Troy from the ground up, over 10 acres. In one particular scene, the character of Helen is presented to the people of Troy—over 1,200 costumed extras—for the first time. Back in 2000, director Ridley Scott, set his infamous and epic Gladiator fight in the Roman Colosseum here, where a third of it was recreated to a height of 52 feet from plaster and plywood at a cost of $1 million. Parts of the fort were also used to depict the Red Keep in the first season of the HBO series, Game of Thrones.

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