The 50 best neighborhoods to see in Birgu (Vittoriosa)

Really enjoyed visiting Fort St Angelo in the 3 Cities area. Coming from Australia you just don’t see this sort of thing. It’s historical significance is amazing and Malta should be proud of what they have done at this site. If you take your time and watch the media displays you will learn so much. Great views of Valletta and surrounding 3 Cities. Always a display of super yachts parked out front adds to the atmosphere.

My first fortress ever, and I’m really impressed. I especially enjoyed the residential part of the fort. It’s also a great spot to watch the cannon salutes in Valletta, and overall the fort offers stunning views of the sea and the city.

Fort St. Angelo is absolutely breathtaking and a must-see when visiting Birgu! The location itself is incredible, with panoramic views over the Grand Harbour and Valletta. The fort is steeped in history, from the time of the Knights of St. John to its role in World War II, and it’s very well presented with detailed exhibits and restored areas to explore. Walking through the bastions feels like stepping back in time, and the sense of scale is amazing. It’s peaceful, atmospheric, and a perfect place to take in Malta’s heritage. Highly recommended for both history lovers and anyone who enjoys stunning views.

Fort St. Angelo is one of many amazing buildings built by the Knights of the order of St. John. It is massive and it takes around 2 hours to roam and envelop all the wonderous nooks and crannies of this place. The views are amazing and take time to sit and watch the video productions especially the one in the middle room featuring the great siege of Malta.

Fort St. Angelo in Malta is an incredible historical site that offers a deep dive into the island’s rich past. The fort is beautifully preserved, with informative exhibits that bring centuries of history to life. The panoramic views of the Grand Harbour from the top are absolutely breathtaking. Overall, it’s a must-visit location with a powerful atmosphere and great historical significance.

An important historical monument for Malta with lots of history to it and beautiful views entrance fee is €10 for adult and €6 for children. Not many ques in the ticket booth

Extremely interesting place to visit. Full of information via a variety of sources. Quiet at the time of our visit and we'll worth it. Easy to get to if you get a water taxi from Valetta harbour (same place as the Gozo High Speed Ferry). Gives amazing views of the harbour and surrounding areas.

This museum is great for anyone interested in ships and the history of the dockyards of Malta. Doesn't take too long either to see everything within. Maybe an hour and a half at the max if you read everything at each stall. Has a lot of ship equipment too such as cannons, tools and more. At the end there is a "dockyard experience". It's maybe 10 minutes long but it's just a few projectors showing some animations of dock work going on. It's based in a medium sized room. This is the only reason I'm taking a star away is because it's not as good as I was expecting. Apart from that, I highly recommend.

Very nice small museum dedicated to docks and ships. Worth visiting as part of a combo ticket with the fortress and the Inquisitorial Palace. Personally, I recommend not to miss the lovely British Ladies' Diary on the top floor, which provides an insight into upper class life at the turn of the last century. Fun! Then the audiovisual installation at the end of the tour is amazing. Just wow.

This museum was fine but too much time was spent on the dockworkers bit at the end for my liking, but it’s fair enough as it is a big part of the local history. I would have preferred to have had the option to miss it. The older stuff was very interesting though. I liked reading the travel diaries

I give it three stars, because I was expecting more of a nation looking back at more than 500 years of naval history. This small museum is preserving a selection of relicts from French and Italian occupation as well as the ship construction under British reign. Some highlights are a handwritten letter from Napoleon Bonaparte. There could have been more information about the Saint John’s knights and the ships they used for the crusades and how they were specially equipped for this purpose,…

Feels very empty and very few artifacts which feel note worthy. The building is under reconstruction , while this is acceptable the way down from the third floor is a scafolding staircase, this isnt required but is purely done to maintain a 1 way system. The av dockyard experience was very interesting. Overall i Guess i was expecting more oh a History on the development of the dockyard post WW2. More about the ships and less of the general industry which made it feel very broad and unspecific. Malta pass was very convenient for visiting this site , highly recommend

Very oversold museum. Not a whole lot of interest here, even for someone interested in Maritime history. There's a hype-up video as you go in that shows you literally everything you're going to see. And as per usual in Malta, the 4D experience was pretty doggy doo doo.

Only ground floor and 3rd floor are open. Not much to see, despite great Malta maritime history. Nice armament - most of it is outside the museum. Staff is nice and helpful. Its best to buy Harbour ticket which include also Inquisitor Palace an St Angel Fort

It's not a bad experience. I've been to a good few places here that are museum and historical like and I would definitely recommend them over this location (lascaris war rooms, St Elmo etc. ) This place is more reading of history and historical time lines compared to others. You should finish the tour of the place within an hour if you take your time. There are 2 different routes about halfway through: a short route and a long route. The short route skips about 20/25 minutes of rooms and some history. Nothing really interactive here either which is a bit of a let down.

A truly fascinating place to visit in Birgu! The Inquisitor’s Palace is so well preserved and gives a real sense of Maltese history, with layers of stories from the Inquisition to more recent times. The rooms are beautifully presented with lots of detail, and you can really imagine what life would have been like here. The dungeons and courtroom were especially interesting. Staff were friendly and welcoming, and the museum is very well laid out. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the Three Cities – it’s one of the highlights of the area!

We were the last ones there the day we visited. It is a very unsettling place, for sure, but the history - as with any country - is important. I highly suggest the visit. I experienced many emotions walking through each room, and when I left I was more angry than anything else. It was a visit I would not repeat, but I am glad I went and learned something about the history, culture, and men of the time.

Great museum. It’s not very big but very interesting. You can learn a lot about inquisition, prisoners and inquisitors themselves

Oh, the good old days! This museum throws a nostalgic look over the 200 years of Inquisition, so if you are in support of torture to get people to the "true" faith, you are AGAINST freedom of speech, you support religion running politics, then this one is for you! The building and decor is what you would expect, but the glorified view of those times, the justification of the use of torture (" only to obtain the truth"), I haven't seen anywhere else in Europe. Heritage foundation might want to ask itself: What is this museum's teaching message?

We bought a combined ticket at the fort that included two attractions. The palace was especially impressive – some rooms even gave me chills, but overall it was a fascinating experience and definitely worth a visit.

It's a very interesting museum with so many armors! For me it was fascinating!

This is a very beautiful church run by lovely volunteers who shared history and information with us. We were lucky enough to see this wonderful church just before Easter when it is at its best. We are so glad we went

Very good looking Church. Read about the History and have a look at the pictures. If you visit this part of Malta you will like it!

A really beautiful place, standing near the the harbour. A brief stop for photos, I would like to return some day.

Very beautiful church, Birgu is a lovely place! ❤️ This village is much more beautiful than other over-the-top tourist areas, if you are in Malta I absolutely recommend.

A splendid example of Baroque grandeur by Lorenzo Gafà, St Lawrence’s stands as a centerpiece in historic Birgu. Originally built from 1681 to 1697 atop a medieval site, it served as the Conventual Church for the Knights before Valletta rose in prominence . The church impresses with its richly decorated limestone façade, twin bell towers, and ornate interior adorned with statues, intricate marble, and exquisite artworks.

The church is mighty impressive inside, the ornate plasterwork, paintings and marble work are all in superb condition. I very much enjoyed inspecting the intricate detailing of the craftsmanship. Some more interpretation boards or a video would have been good. 1 euro per person requested donation.

A breathtaking church that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime

The three cities were hands down one of the best things about this country. It’s like walking through a time gone by, and it was really awesome to see where and how Maltese people live. Visted them all today.

It's a lovely waterfront with various restaurants, cafés and bars. Unfortunately I noticed a lot of litter, broken pavements and noise pollution but all in all, it is a nice area. Would be nicer to maintain it properly 😜

Stroll attractive alleys and streets with genuine Maltese architecture but without thousands of tourists. View Valletta town with its yellow limestone commanding heights and castles from Fort St. Angelo. Frequent bars and restaurants without queues. A mixture of modern marinas and medieval military sights, that is Birgu. A short ferry trip from Valletta. Do visit.

One of of the best areas in Malta,lovely walk to the Dort St Angelo with stunning view of Valleta and elegant yatchs.

A nice and clean place. Quite peaceful, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops. It’s very safe, without illegal doctors or engineers like in Western Europe.

Absolutely beautiful and extremely romantic!! A perfect place for long walks, stunning photos, dining out and it is popular amongst the locals mainly which is a huge advantage!! Also, it is relatively clean in comparison to the rest of the island:-) Overall score: 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you're looking for a great place to take a walk, enjoy some good food, and take in some stunning views, then this location is an absolute must-visit! The area is steeped in history, and there's so much to explore and discover around every corner. The restaurants here are top-notch, offering delicious food and great service. And of course, the views are simply breathtaking - you can't help but feel awed by the beauty of it all. Whether you're here for lunch, dinner, or just a casual stroll, you won't be disappointed. Highly recommended!

The Museum may not be very large, but it offers a fascinating collection of exhibits. The models and dioramas are especially impressive – detailed and very realistic, they give a good sense of the history being presented. While there aren’t many military vehicles on display, the ones available are quite rare and not something you often see elsewhere. Overall, it’s a compact but very interesting museum that provides a unique perspective on Malta’s wartime history. Definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in history or military heritage.

One of the best museums in Malta. You will want 3 hours here to take in the sites, view points and lean about the history. A good 500 years of history is covered. Air con inside, and most of the museum is indoors. One of the few wheel chair friendly museums in Malta.

Very impressed by this historic monument. A bastion full of history, so beautiful and so wonderfully preserved. The tour is well structured and allows you to see lots of interesting things about such a wide span of history. My favorite part is on the Great Siege. I highly recommend this must-see!

What an excellent place to visit whilst in Valletta for the day! For just €10 you get access to the fort and war museum, plus some picturesque views across the bay. The museum itself was really well done, with a mix of written displays and video exhibits to really bring the stories to life. Each era is split across different buildings, so there is a fair bit of walking involved (including stairs) but it’s well worth it! Easy to spend 1-2 hours here.

Very well laid out, excellent and informative displays. Told the story if this amazing island really well. Original George Cross medal on display. Loved it. Allow min 2 hours. Wonderful views too.

This was a cool experience. Not only was this a fort but they have incorporated a few rooms with memorabilia from different times in Malta's history. Well worth a visit. There is a lot of steps to see everything for those that my struggle with steps. We also got to experience the VR they opened the day we visited (we were told). This is a place where if walls could talk it would amazing to hear. If you want to see everything this can take upto 1.5 to 2 hours easily. Also some great views of the sea and the skyline.

A truly remarkable historical site. The exhibits provide clear and insightful explanations of Maltese history, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the island’s rich heritage. Additionally, the fort presents a stunning ocean and port view.

Look up at the 1st floor. The twin-arched window, with its slender central pillar and zigzag decoration, dates from the 13th century and is in a style described as Siculo-Norman.

Great for just wondering around

Fantastic

Lovely old building. Birgu council occupied.

Awesome place to visit

Plan for parking

A piece of history.

This would have been a common historical museum if it wasn’t for the guided tour of the underground air raid shelter. That was definitely a highlight of the whole experience. The guide was so passionate and knowledgeable and left us with big impressions. He explained in detail all the parts of the shelter. Definitely worth going.

Absolutely amazing museum. The tunnels were unbelievable. The guide was so knowledgeable and explained everything so well. We learnt so much about what happened during the time of the constant bombing of Malta and were shown around many parts of the war tunnels. Living , and dying people and babies being born. Doctors operating on the sick and injured. All those people were packed like sardines in there. It was bleak but fascinating. Thoroughly recommend visiting. Worth every Penny of the €12per person. Amazing value.

We really enjoyed our visit at War Museum in Malta! Umberto is very knowledgeable and just says things as they are! Loved the experience and wish to have more time to explore the war rooms further.

The museum itself is good, but the tour given by Umberto of the shelter was excellent. He brought a sobering reality to the use of the shelter, whilst approaching sensitive topics in a delicate way. I would recommend that anybody visiting dedicates time to listening to his tour, and exploring the shelter.

If you are interested in WW II history, than this place is definitely for you. It's not very interactive, but still enjoyable. - 1 star for donation box directly next to the entrance to the museum. They charge 14 euros for each adult visitor. This is more than enough to run a museum.

Went here and had a great time. Great view and great collection of war memorabilias. At a small entry fee, the place is rich in history. It was also well organised and manned with helpful staffs to guide you. The rooms to visit are numbered so you don’t get lost. In the heat, it is also cooling. The memorabilias from the past wars were rich in history described by information and background details. Def a must when in Malta. The view up top is just breathtaking. Mushy be limiting and a challenge if with pram or on wheelchair due to stairs.

Malta war musium is the best place for kids and family doing new adventures and new experiences . My kids very happy and fun enjoy it all the story inside the musium. Honestly even as adult we can feel it how the story goes long time ago.

No hours. Not open.

(Translated by Google) The Auberge d'Angle is a hostel in Birgu, Malta. It was built around 1534 (incorporating an earlier building) to house knights of the Order of St John of the Tongue of England. Today it houses a health center and is the best preserved hospital inn in Birgu. (Original) L' Auberge d'Angleterre est une auberge à Birgu, Malte. Elle a été construite vers 1534 (incorporant un bâtiment antérieur) pour abriter des chevaliers de l'Ordre de Saint-Jean de la langue d'Angleterre. Il abrite aujourd'hui un centre de santé et c'est l'auberge hospitalière la mieux conservée de Birgu.

Between the peninsulas of Vittoriosa/Birgu and Isla, dozens of boats float, from a single small and simple sloop to a 200 million dollar uber-luxurious yacht Moonrise owned by Jan Koum. Clearly the ostentatious habitat of the rich and the famous.

It’s nice for 10 minutes walking but can’t say much more there’s not a lot there except yachts and a few expensive but fairly poor restaurants. The only positive I can find is that’s the pick up point for the little road train tour- which again isn’t great but you see a few things you wouldn’t see otherwise.

Its good place to visit.

Beautiful at night especially during candlelight festival.

Nice place but staff attitude is a problem. Laid back & arrogant attitude. Stayed 4 nights. No proactvity. Upon arrival,chanel 13 no answer in spite of repeated calls. Many boats were calling without receiving any answer. When we finally called them by tel we're asked to use chanel 13. No welcome at the berth. No greeting, no thank you, no good bye at the capitainerie. Asked for fuel lorry that never arrived. After we've complained, receptionist said 'he'll try to call them' 'he will try to call us back' and never called back. Asked 4 times for assistance on Harken traveller but receptionnists did no have a clue of what Harken means untill a manager heared our request and quickly found the proper person. Water is cut every 8 hours and after 3 days of calling we're answered that we shd have asked for a electronic key... this company concentrates solely on very big boats and ignores classic boats (46ft).staff should be trained on human relation and sailing requirement. Definitly will try not to have to come back here.

Beautiful location, friendly and professional staff.

Really amazing sunsets & sailor place 👌🇲🇹

Excellent site to see the Grand Harbour of Malta. Peaceful place of flowering beauty to quiet the mind. At the overlook you can witness the Saluting Battery-traditional firing of a single canon at Noon and 4pm daily. It is impressive and loud! The firing was once used to welcome and set time for vessels in the harbour.

⸻ 💥 Saluting Battery – Valletta 💥 The cannon firing at the Saluting Battery in Valletta is absolutely awesome and a must-see! It’s a brilliant glimpse into Malta’s rich history and naval traditions, brought to life with precision and ceremony. The setting overlooking the Grand Harbour makes it even more impressive – you can really feel the history echo through the city. Definitely one to add to your list when visiting Valletta! However, I do urge you to arrive at least an hour before the midday and 1600 cannon salutes because the crowds tend to gather early, and you’ll find yourself jostling for a decent view. The views from the gardens are worth a visit alone! The surround area has a really nice vibe to it as well.

Upper Barrakka Gardens is absolutely breathtaking! The panoramic views over the Grand Harbour are simply unforgettable, especially during sunset. The gardens are beautifully maintained, peaceful, and full of history. Watching the Saluting Battery was a highlight of the visit. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this is the perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of Malta. Highly recommended!

Beautiful! Not very big. If you go at 12 and 4 pm they shoot the cannons which is cool. You can pay extra to go to the lower level and be right up close.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are a truly beautiful and peaceful place to visit while in Valletta. With stunning views over the Grand Harbour and across to the Three Cities, it’s an ideal spot for photos, relaxing, or simply enjoying the atmosphere. The architecture and layout of the gardens are impressive, and there’s a certain charm in the combination of nature and history that makes this place special. However, it’s important to keep in mind that during the high season, the gardens can get quite crowded, especially around midday when most tourists arrive. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, try visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. One detail worth noting is that the traditional cannon firing ceremony, which normally happens daily at noon, does not take place on Sundays. So if that’s something you were looking forward to, plan accordingly. Also, while the Upper Barrakka Gardens are beautiful, don’t forget to check out the Lower Barrakka Gardens as well. They are just as lovely, offer equally impressive views, and tend to be less crowded. It’s a great alternative if you’re hoping to avoid the tourist rush and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere in the heart of Valletta.

Nice garden with incredible views of Valletta's surroundings. Also spotted a big cruise ship in the harbour! Nice flowers and a little cafe nearby!

Very nice terrace that dominates the port of Valleta. If you came via the port, you can just walk to the zebra cross and go via the tunnel to get the lift ticket (1€). A little bit crowded but still interesting 👍

Firstly thanks Luke 👍our tour guide he was very enthusiastic which has to be the best start your tour and to escape the the sunshine on a very hot day. Our tour was 75 minutes long great history lesson over the age's but mostly the second world war. You can only imagine all the other room's that you can see through little gaps and staircases we love exploring it's just like Gibraltar WW2 tunnels. If you get the pass you you save quite a bit so get out there and explore!!

Amazing place. Plan 1-2 hours there. No need to book in advance. Fascinating history of how these underground shelters were used as war rooms for World War 2. And incredible stories of how Malta was used as a strategic point in the war and the epicenter of diversion techniques to eventually start the end of the war. Cheap tickets, a true gem!

Absolutely fascinating museum that does a great job of telling the story of Malta during the second world war. They have done a great job of preserving the underground shelters and decorating them with a variety of period artifacts. The result is that you can get a good sense of how the place looked during the Malta blitz. However, it's well worth timing your visit to take advantage of the guided tour. We had Mike as our guide and his explanation of how the fighter control operated was very clear and comprehensive. There is also a new, very extensive display that covers with Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily in July 1943 in great detail including from the Italian side and the perspective of the civilians.

Probably one of the best WW2 museums I've ever been to. So much information to take in. Great displays and original rooms still made up with the era specific items. Well worth a visit although was a little pricy at €20 each. Would definitely recommend.

We went on the War HQ Tunnels tour operated by the same company that runs the Lascaris War Rooms. This tour was extremely informative, engaging and took us to areas not accessible via the Lascaris War Rooms museum. This included tunnels constructed by the Knights Hospitaller (Knights of Malta) but also additional and extensive sections constructed during WW2. These areas housed the Combined War Headquarters of the Allies to command their forces and resist the extensive and devastating bombing of the Maltese islands. The tour covers the Fighter Sector Operations Room used during the Battle for Malta 1940-43, along with other operation rooms and facilities. It also shows the facilities and equipment used by NATO up to 1977, during the Cold War. A unique and immersive tour which I would thoroughly recommend to anyone with an interest in the history of Malta or WW2.

This is well worth a visit. It's an interesting tour of the under ground rooms. The guides are well informed and give a good overview of the history of the various rooms.

This was a great museum to visit. It's great they have kept or brought items to make this place look as authentic as it was during WWII. This museum covers 2 floors, both in a rock underground. A lot of information to absorb. Over all worth a visit if you are in Malta and into history and WWII.

This was a really cool authentic home to see. They have kept and set up the home to how it would have looked like in the past. We were lucky to be one of the few people visiting the time we went as to have basically the whole place to ourselves. The underground shelter was also cool to see. The wealth some family's had from the past was astonishing to see. Worth a visit. They offer guided tours or self tours. Lockers were out of order when we visited. This is also a bed and breakfast as we saw a few people on the lower floors walking in robes, so it shares some spaces with a B&B.

Definitely a must see when in Valletta! We went for a guided tour around noon and there were only four people including us. We loved being in small group like that as the guide offered us enough time to also explore on our own and ask as many questions as we wanted. The tour feels like you’re visiting your rich auntie which I find daring. The house is not only a museum, there’s still a lot of life in it. I love visiting houses like that and this is one of the most lively ones I’ve seen thanks to more recent objects on display. A very refreshing experience. The place is still in use after hours by the family and it feels homely and cozy. It’s a bit chaotic and that’s why it feels personal. After the tour we were offered to continue exploring the rooms and the shelter in our own pace so we used the opportunity to spend some more time there.

Definitely worth a visit if you are nosey and like trinkets and portraits. The house is not very big but each room is packed with things. The audio guide is nicely organised and detailed without being too long. There is a cute tiny cafe inside on the terrace. The bomb shelter is also interesting but beware there will be mud and you will get it all over yourself if you are wearing anything long and loose.

Casa Rocca Piccola is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Valletta. This 16th-century noble residence offers a rare opportunity to step into Malta’s aristocratic past. Unlike many other historical sites, Casa Rocca Piccola is still a family home, which makes the experience even more authentic and personal. The guided tours are excellent and very informative, giving visitors a chance to see beautifully decorated rooms, antique furniture, artworks, and family heirlooms that have been preserved for centuries. One of the highlights is the underground wartime shelters, which provide a powerful glimpse into Malta’s role during World War II. The collection of costumes, silverware, and traditional Maltese crafts is also remarkable. What makes Casa Rocca Piccola special is the warm and personal touch of the guides, who share not only history but also stories about the current family who still live there. The courtyard and garden are peaceful spots to relax after the tour. If you are in Valletta, this museum-home is a must-see. It combines history, culture, and charm in a way that truly captures the spirit of Malta. I highly recommend including it in your itinerary.

A wonderful experience! Marquis de Pro one of the noble family members spoke to us. He was kind and filled us in on historical items in the home. The bomb shelter and rooms were awesome.

A beautifully preserved old family home with a fascinating collection of historical and artistic artifacts and memories. It’s definitely worth joining the guided tour — Daniel was incredibly knowledgeable and gave a full picture not just of the family’s story, but of Malta’s history as well. Kiku is an absolute sweetheart 🦜🥰

So much Maltese history in this mansion. The mansion is full of articles which spans multiple generations. Don't forget to go down to basement/bomb shelter area.

Wandering through its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time. Highlights include the impressive St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the tranquil Upper Barracca Gardens, offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. The city is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot.

Our first real ‘wooh’ moment as we walked the city of Valetta was the Lower Barrakka. As you enter the gardens you feel the peacefulness of the area and the tranquil sound of the water fountain is calming. The views looking over the water are stunning and the colour off the buildings from the sun is beautiful.

The Lower Barrakka Gardens in Valletta are a tranquil, smaller counterpart to the Upper Gardens, offering beautiful views of the Grand Harbour. They are home to a prominent neoclassical monument dedicated to Sir Alexander Ball and a temple-like structure, providing a peaceful escape for a quiet stroll and a moment of reflection.

A very lively place with great views of sea and city . Unique variety of flowers and cute benches to sit in . The arches are very beautiful and makes great pictures . Overall stunning place with stunning view. Entry free

What a wonderful find and what a stunning green oasis on the edge of Valetta! Perfect for a quiet break from the hustle of the old city, with perfectly kept gardens and amazing views across the sea. The colourful flowerbeds and the turqoise waters make it a dream for photographers or instagram posters. Plus there is a public toilet here if you must!

Lovely views, unfortunately the siege bell tower was covered up for maintenance (presumably). There a cafe/restaurant on site and places to sit and rest for a while after all the hills/steps. Worth going via St Barbara Street for the classic balconied apartments look.

A nice and clean place. Quite peaceful, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops. It’s very safe, without undocumented individuals posing as doctors or engineers like in Western Europe.

This was a really lovely edition to the temples tour and the hypogium. You can see the old large skulls and all sorts of other very well preserved artefacts from the Neolithic period. There’s 3 floors to enjoy and it’s only 5EUR entry. Great way to kill an hour or two and lots to learn / see. There’s some other periods but I personally recommend the Neolithic one. It really fits well with the ancient history of the country. There’s toilets on site

Some museums win you over with their collections, others with their architecture. This one does both, which frankly feels a bit greedy. Housed in a building so beautiful you could happily wander it empty, the museum is a reminder that the Maltese don’t do “ordinary” when it comes to stonework. The exhibitions are superbly curated — thoughtful, detailed, and arranged with a clear sense of storytelling. You move from prehistoric figurines to intricate artifacts with the feeling that someone has actually thought about the journey you’re on, rather than just shoving things in glass cases and hoping for the best. And yet, in the middle of all this, there’s the numismatic collection. Perfectly fine if you’re a coin enthusiast, but otherwise it’s a bit like finding a box of receipts in the middle of a grand opera. Interesting in its way, but it does feel like it wandered in from another museum and decided to stay. Still, that’s a minor quibble. Between the building itself, the sheer depth of the collection, and the skill with which it’s presented, this is one of those rare museums where you leave feeling smarter — and only partly because you spent two hours reading captions in your “educational” voice. Five stars, and I’d come back just to walk through that building again, coins and all.

Bottom section currently closed not sure for how long but upper level was open. There was still a lot of cool and interesting stuff to check out from various periods. The history is incredible. I would say a must see.

Next to the excavation site. Staffs are very helpful. Must see the faded painting of boat on the rock, well preserved at the museum. With some effort, you will be able to witness 4500 years old rock painting. unbelievable experience. Must go with family, kids would love this.

Fascinating exhibition. I was particularly impressed by the collection of ancient figurines. Definitely worth the visit if you're a fan of archaeology or want to learn something new about the past.

I love this museum, the staff is very well informed, exhibitions are interesting and everything is explained very clearly! Kudos for funny comics strops and the newly renovated grand room.

Awesome place. I was here on October's Sunday and it was calm, few people inside. English audio guide is British as hell (there're other options like Polish). Ask for it at the reception, there's an QR code for you to open on your phone's browser. Museum also has its own public wifi so don't worry about roaming data. Definitely take your own earphones/headphones for that. If you're curious about this island, then you must visit.

Great restaurant in Valletta! One of the best meals I've had in Malta! The restaurant was very accommodating, it was a busy Friday evening and we called just couple of hours in advance hoping there would be a table, and the staff really tried and find us a slot for our required time. I like how the restaurant will bring and show you all their fresh seafood of the day and you know exactly what you're getting. We sat just next to the kitchen so it was added bonus seeing our food being cooked. I had the fish of the day with pasta and it was brilliant! The fish was really fresh and the pasta was cooked to perfection! Restaurant atmosphere was really nice and I like the stone walls feel. High quality restaurant and highly recommended!

By far one of the best restaurants of Malta.. The staff ( including the owner) are amazing. The make us feel comfortable and relax so we could enjoy any moment and bite of our dinner. Very tasty food from the first till the last bite .. If you’re visiting Valleta then don’t miss this place…

Small menu, big on flavour. Everything was delicious. This restaurant was recommended to us by a local. Thank goodness we booked as walk-ins were being turned away even at 6:15pm. The food was first class. Tables downstairs have a view of the chef (also the owner) who is clearly passionate about food. Not to be missed.

absolutely deserved 5 stars. our pasta dishes were amazing, full of flavour and perfectly al dente. probably the best meal of our malta trip. definitely also try their homemade desserts (pictured here: lemon cheesecake). beautiful location and attentive staff, who is very informed about their dishes.

Great vibe, the place is rather small, so be sure to book in advance. We had to come back on the next day, as they were fully booked on the initial try. The food was tasty, the service was very nice. Calamari was a bit too chewy for us, the fish was great, the rabbit was ok 😉

We walked by and were stopped in our tracks by the aroma pouring out! We read the menu and could not go past. Understand—we were NOT looking for food! 😂. But we could not resist. Opening the door was a lovely surprise! It is a quaint little restaurant with a few tables on street level and a few down the stairs in this beautiful arched dining room. I had the best pasta of our trip—better than any we had in Rome. And the fish, which was chosen from a platter of today’s catches, was perfectly prepared. Even the vegetables on the side were notably delicious. What a fortuitous find!! Thank you to our great and professional server and the chefs! You will love it!

Lovely Italian restaurant. There’s additional seating downstairs, but it’s quite a small place, so I’d recommended booking. The food was absolutely delicious, and the staff were friendly and funny.

Beautiful panoramic point inside the Valletta di Malta. This bell commemorates all the people who died in an attempt to defend Malta's freedom during World War II. It plays every day at 12, starting in 1992. On one side of the memorial stands out an inscription in Latin: "Obumbrasti super caput meum in die belli" ("You protected me in wartime").

The Siege Bell War Memorial features a recumbent bronze figure opposite Fort Ricasoli at the entrance to Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta. A plaque here reads: "At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them."

Wonderful view of the coastline. Not much to do but you get a more close up view of the coastline than viewing from the gardens. It’s also just a short walk from the lower barrakka.

You can see great views of the Grand Harbor from this point. There will be lots of steep downhill side streets that you’ll need to take if coming from the center of Valletta, but well worth the walk. When you arrive, climb the steps to the top of the memorial and stand south of the bell to see the best views the place has to offer. You’ll also be able to get a good view of outside of the Valletta peninsula as well.

Another Great viewing location War Seige Memorial the history of the place is fantastic great location for walking round, there is a small outdoor cafe. the place is so relaxing its ideal to chill out under the trees enjoying coffee or tea. You can watch pigeons taking bird bath or drop few crumbs watch them snap them up. Good location great views well worth visit.

It’s well worth climbing the flight of steps to walk round this monument, if only for the views over the harbour. It was very windy during my visit and that’s when you realise how exposed it is but taking in the history is a real treat.

Nice place with a great view to the sea and the area around. A little bit windy but worth visiting because of the great scenery it offers for the visitors. There are good restaurants nearby and a little bit away from the bell monument there is nice garden with a lot of benches for relaxing and enjoying the great view.

You walk in expecting a modest little collection — a few paintings, maybe a dusty bust of someone important if you squint. And then suddenly, boom, they hit you with more art than the building can physically handle. It’s like the curators kept saying “Oh, and put this one up too” until every wall had the visual density of a Renaissance flea market. Does it feel cluttered? A little. Do I care? Not really — if the choice is between “too much art” and “not enough art,” I know where I stand. Now, about those little description signs: lovely idea, questionable execution. Sometimes the different language sections aren’t separated into paragraphs. It’s not a disaster, but after a while, you start reading everything twice. The building itself is gorgeous — the kind of place you wish you could rent for a long weekend and pretend you inherited. Staff are friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed, and despite the occasional wall feeling like a visual game of Tetris, the experience is genuinely excellent.

If you’re visiting Valletta, I highly recommend stopping by MUŻA, the National Community Art Museum of Malta. It’s not a huge museum — you can see everything in about an hour and a half (or even an hour if you go quickly) — but it’s well worth the time. The collection is varied and engaging, featuring works by Maltese artists as well as international ones. You’ll find paintings, sculptures, and a range of interesting objects, all well-presented in a beautifully restored historic building. Overall, it’s a great way to experience Malta’s artistic heritage and see some truly lovely pieces of art without spending half a day. Definitely worth a visit while you’re in the area.

Interesting museum but with few great paintings and painters - except for Il Caravaggio and G. Bellini. The Baroque period is well represented, plus they have a few Icons which are beautiful. Don't expect something like Gli Uffizi in Italy. However, it was a pleasant and decent visit, in a nice environment.

Absolutely loved our dinner at Mùzu in Valletta. The food was creative, beautifully presented, and full of flavour — the risotto and dessert were real highlights. Huge thanks to Raj, our waiter, who was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience seamless. And special shout-out to Dinesh for the incredible cocktails — some of the best we had in Malta. Stylish setting, great vibes. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The permanent exhibition presents art and artefacts through different period of the Maltese heritage and history. A surprising discovery. The staff is friendly and very helpful.

Beautiful Maltese paintings and sculptures. Highly recommended a visit to see the breadth of art available here. Particularly liked the sculptures myself.

I liked the more modern art but the baroque is not really my taste. Well presented but could have done with being offered a plan/layout or audio guide as it was really difficult to find the way out from first floor! Could have been difficult in a fire as one fire exit sign took us to a lift. I would say that staff are more interested in security than ensuring visitors have a good experience.

The house was abandoned and neglected for some 30 years before Charlie Bugeja took it under his ownership. It took Charlie five years to restore the house to its current state. Most of the renovation work was done by the owner himself. We visited the house on Saturday and Charlie sat down with us to tell us why he rennovated the house and the history. The furniture in the main room where the past owner, Marija Zammit, lived has several beautiful, old antique dressers and sideboards that Charlie found after she died as she gave a lot of furniture away to her neighbors.She was 80 years old when she died. The house was occupied by three families and dates back to the 13th century. It has the original limestone arches and stones from when it was first built. There is no charge to visit the house and Charlie has done a beautiful job restoring it to maintain its original style. We visited with him Saturday, July 12, 2025 with an Overseas Adventure Travel group.

I stumbled upon this lovely house while wandering through some cozy streets, and I was amazed by how authentic and beautiful it is. It's such a warm and charming spot. Entrance is free, though there's an option to leave a donation. I even got to meet the owner, who created this museum with his own hands and poured his heart into sharing its history with visitors. I'm truly grateful and so delighted by the whole experience!

The place is small. Only one room downstairs and one upstairs, but it is nice to see how people lived in medieval times. This house is said to be the oldest standing building in Birgu (built in XII or XIII century). Basement is currently closed to the public. The entrance is free of charge, but there is donation box downstairs. I really encourage to see the place.

What an amazing find as I wandered the peaceful backstreets of Birgu. Charlie, the owner, guardian angel and restorer of this house is welcoming gem himself. I would totally recommend a visit to this slice of history - and it’s free!!!

Met the owner while visiting the house. He was the sweetest man and told us many interesting facts about the house and the Maltese way of life. No entry fee, but donations are welcome as the restoration is paid out of the owner's own pocket.

Stumbled upon this casa while taking a wander yesterday. Fascinating visit to an interesting building and museum with friendly curator.

The owner was extremely kind and explained everything to us about this wonderful house, the oldest in Birgu, a truly unique place full of charm and history

Notre Dame Gate is one of seven gates built into the fortified Cottonera Lines. Initiated by Grand Master Cotoner in 1670 following the Ottoman capture of Candia (Crete) it was meant to protect in-depth the Three Cities of Vittoriosa. Senglea and Cospicua against a renewed Ottoman attack. Notre Dame Gate also known as Porta della Maria Vergine delle Grazie; Zabbar Gate and Bieb is-Sultan was to serve as the main entrance into the fortified conglomeration from the east. It stands in the middle of Notre Dame Curtain from which it takes its name and is flanked by Notre Dame and St. James Bastions facing the ancient town of Zabbar. This grand gate remains to this day as the highest point in Cottonera from the roof of which one can enjoy breath taking vistas of most of the island and from where in the past military signals were relayed between the eastern coastal defences and Valletta proper. It stands on five levels consisting of two lateral underground chambers, two ground level barrack blocks, a grand gate house built on two levels and a spacious open veranda and a signalling top. Its architectural style follows that of the high-baroque period at which time it was built. It is lavishly decorated with Corinthian pilasters, heavy mouldings and fascias, symmetrical niches and apertures, a prominent balustrade, trophies and finials. This impressive assemblage is then surmounted by an enormous inscription in marble which denotes the foundation of the fortified lines. The plaque itself is crowned by a heavy bass-relief depicting a trophy of arms and two putti surrounding an alcove which shelters a heavy bronze effigy of Grand Master Cotoner, founder of the Cottonera Lines Notre Dame Gate remained in constant military use for almost 300 years It was garrisoned by Hospitaller, French Republican and British troops many of whom have left their indelible marks of their presence in the shape of numerous graffiti carved in stone. Perhaps the most notorious amongst these were the British 24th Regiment of Foot (South Wales Borders) of the Zulu wars fame who had stayed in the gate's barracks on their way to South Africa in 1874, Following the nearby building of the Cottonera Military Hospital in 1870. the gate gradually started serving as an adjunct to the new military medical establishment. Following the debacle at Gallipoli in 1915, thousands of badly wounded troops were brought to Malta for treatment and convalescence and some of these were accommodated at Notre Dame Gate for the duration of the Great War. in the ensuing world war, although receiving a direct hit which perforated one of the barracks roofs, the gate suffered little damage as opposed to the extensive material loss suffered at all of the Three Cities Today Notre Dame Gate serves as the headquarters of the Malta Heritage Trust-Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and is available for visiting on an exclusive basis every Wednesday as part of a guided tour of the gate and the nearby Former Cottonera Military Hospital. This tour also gives access to parts of the Cottonera Lines, the early 18th century gun powder magazine and WW2 defences.

It was one of the first landmarks we saw after landing in Malta. We started our first day trip close-by, and the gate was the first of many fantastic building in Malta. The whole country is full of amazing architecture, and it is quite poetic that this was our 'gate' to all those amazing spots. One thing to remember is that Malta is not a country for bicycle, and even walking is often difficult. Most people drive cars or scooters, so it is important to remember that not every road on the map is suited for pedestrians. It was here that we learned that cars rule the island :)

Nice looking gate that was used to protect 3 city

This historical monument is part of the Cottonera Bastions. Recently it was restored and is being used as the Mala Heritage office.

Interesting Gate to the Bormla and Birgu towns, mighty walls and bastions of the ancient three cities of Malta.

If you are interested to see it, it is worth to go there.

Very nice gate.connect Zabbar to Cottonera

(Translated by Google) It is an austere temple, both outside and inside. I don't know where the photos in other reviews come from, but currently the inside is white and has hardly any ornamentation. (Original) Es un templo austero, tanto por fuera como en su interior. No se de dónde salen las fotos que hay en otras reseñas, pero actualmente por dentro es blanca y apenas tiene ornamentación.

(Translated by Google) Church of the Annunciation was erected on the site of a temple from 1450. During the Great Siege of 1565 the Church of the Annunciation serves as the parish church of Vittoriosa. It is located between the Porte de Provence and the Inquisitor's Palace. (Original) Църква Благовещение е издигната на място на храм от 1450 г. По време на Голямата обсада от 1565 г. църквата Благовещение служи като енорийска църква на Виториоза. Намира се между Портата на Прованс и Дворецът на Инквизитора.

(Translated by Google) The Church of the Annunciation in Mdina, also known as the Carmelite Church, is a Baroque monastic church built between 1660 and 1675 according to the design of F. Sammut or MBl des Croisette. After the 1693 earthquake, it served as both cathedral and parish church for several years. The church played a significant role in the 1798 uprising against the French, when the inhabitants of Mdina prevented Napoleon's troops from plundering the church. The interior is decorated with Baroque sculptures, paintings in the dome, and works by Mattia Preti, Stefano Erardi, and other artists. The church has four chapels, seven altars, and is a protected monument of Malta. [Malta, architecture] (Original) Kościół Zwiastowania Pańskiego w Mdinie, zwany też kościołem Karmelitów, to barokowy kościół zakonny wzniesiony w latach 1660–1675 według projektu F. Sammuta lub MBl des Croisette. Po trzęsieniu ziemi w 1693 roku przez kilka lat pełnił funkcję katedry i kościoła parafialnego. Świątynia odegrała ważną rolę zapoczątkował mówiąc powstanie przeciw Francuzom w 1798 roku, gdy mieszkańcy Mdiny powstrzymali oddziały napoleońskie przed rabunkiem świątyni. Wnętrze zdobią barokowe rzeźby, malowidła w kopule oraz dzieła Mattii Pretiego, Stefana Erardiego i innych artystów. Kościół posiada cztery kaplice, siedem ołtarzy i jest chronionym zabytkiem Malty. [Malta, architektura]

(Translated by Google) A beautiful church (Original) Prekrasna crkva

(Translated by Google) A beautiful church indeed. I just don't understand why so many churches are needed in such a small space. Unfortunately, in Malta, they're all closed. It's a shame, as we actually enjoy visiting churches. It's quite nice from the outside. (Original) Eine schöne Kirche durchaus ich verstehe nur nicht warum man hier auf engstem Raum soviele Kirchen benötigt und in Malta sind leider alle verschlossen äußerst schade den wir besichtigen eigentlich gerne Kirchen. Von außen ganz nett.

(Translated by Google) We went when it was the holiday, the church was very decorated. It's free. (Original) Hemos ido cuando era la festividad, la iglesia estaba decoradísima. Es gratuita.

(Translated by Google) Mass on weekdays at 7:30, 10, and 18:15. Sundays at 8,10 and 12 (Original) Misa entre semana a las 7.30, 10 y 18.15. Los domingos a las 8,10 y 12

As u enter the harbour of Malta your breath is taken away by the beauty if this historical island. It's mustardy yellow colour is somewhat unusual. The buildings are beautiful. As u enter it's not difficult to imagine the crusaders and army sailors entering here. The history of Malta is fascinating and goes back to the days of the Bible where Paul was captured and imprisoned. Such a well organised tourist destination.

Beautiful trip around grand harbour. Lovely seeing everything and learning about the history. Highly recommend to anyone.

Nice place for a walk to see the big money yachts. Lots of places to eat and drink. Nice views going in and out of the harbor.

Gorgeous historic harbour, the gateway to Malta! Surrounded by valetta and the three cities, it's like stepping back in time to see!

On a boat trip out of this harbour and your eyes don't know where to look with stunning buildings and landscapes either side.

Always nice to be here looking at the harbour daily activities. When it is quite it is even nicer.

Very nice must see Great place.

So worth a visit, only €3 a person and it included a tour afterwards (30-45 mins) where you learn all about the different types of guns and the history surrounding them. Well worth it. The tour guide (nicknamed sidearm) was brilliant. Very funny and kept us entertained. Also had brilliant views of the three cities and grand harbour.

The Saluting Battery was well worth a visit and great value at just €3 per person. We visited just before the noon cannon salute and stayed for the 25-minute tour afterwards. Our guide and cannon expert, Joseph, fired the noon cannon, but first explained how it worked. In the tour afterwards he explained the history of the Grand Harbour and its importance to Valletta and Europe. Joseph’s knowledge was excellent and his passion evident to see. Highly recommend a visit.

We recently had a team dinner at Saluting Battery in Valletta, and it was an exceptional experience. The venue offers a truly unique setting overlooking the Grand Harbour, with stunning evening views that add a special touch to any event. The highlight of the evening was the firing of the historic cannons, a fascinating and memorable tradition that gave the dinner a distinctive Maltese flair. The atmosphere was both elegant and relaxed, making it perfect for a team gathering. The food and service were excellent — well-presented dishes, attentive staff, and a smooth dining experience throughout. The blend of history, fine dining, and scenic views made this an unforgettable occasion. Highly recommended for corporate events, special dinners, or anyone wanting to enjoy a piece of Malta’s living history in style.

Love this place! Fantastic views across to the 3 cities and fort StAngelo. If you plan to get the ferry across the water then the lift is here down to the terminal. 1€ per person for all day access to the lift. It's a nice walk down the hill, otherwise. Plus a long hot and sweaty walk back up when you return. Im fit as a fiddle, but highly recommend using the lift.

From the upper deck, you can see the canon fire at noon 12pm or 4pm. You can pay €3 to go down for a closer view, but the balcony above is free, It’s loud, so maybe it's better off standing back anyway. Fires at 12 noon and 4 pm

Definitely a must the cannon is fired at 12 noon and 1600 hours .it does bring a good crowd you can pay to be nearer the gun there is explained by the gun crew the history about why they fire the gun . But you can stay at the upper viewing point for free and still get a good view..better to pay i would say or of you have the heritage pass you are sorted it's included .

Fun and entertaining show! Short and engaging, perfect for a quick outing. Definitely worth checking out.

Fort Manoel is one of the most important places in the history of Malta, currently under restoration and is a wonderful site for its architecture, design and the view towards Valletta.

I was just passing by walking the dog and was lucky to find the fort having an open day. Normally it is closed and especially from the back it looks run down. From the inside you can see this enormous square with a lot of buildings around it, officer houses, a chapel and munition warehouse with a suberb sight over the bay between Valetta and Sliema. They are renovating it and on this open day they had people dressed up in 16th century clothing. Really interesting

Date of Visit: 22 Nov 2024 AM. Fort entrance blocked by fences and security booth at entrance to fort is dishevelled and unused/unmanned. Only option is to walk to the Sliema side of the island for the views of Sliema and Valetta, which are really good.

Went there yesterday, closed because they're setting up to film Gladiator 2 inside the fort so you couldn't get access, you can still walk around the island. Nice views around and plenty of areas to sit down.

Manoel island - and though definitely the fort - was always a "secret island" for locals. Today was the 2nd opportunity ever to go there for the public. And my first time. It is such a great place of character, it should be always open and always public! You can experience and it's documented how much efforts and money was put in there to restore historical beauty of architecture - for a military purpose that time. So, EU money was spent very well - but ONLY if this is going to be accessible public, 24/7.. I remember a posting, mentioning a "Central Park " for Malta. This would be great!

I was disappointed about the abandon of this place. The view is marvellous but the whole place is not suitable for walks and visiting. At each step there are signs of "collapse danger" and there is no sign of rehabilitation of the place. It's a pity because it lost it's beauty.

Actually this is sad place between Valletta & Sliema. But if you want to enjoy view to Valletta from distance it worth to visit. Please be sure Manoel island in terms of tourist infrastructure are not friendly place. But if you like to avoid crowded places this place is perfect match.

We visited the market at 10.30, but half of the market was already gone and and the rest packing their stuff. I would’ve liked to see what they had, bc it looked interesting. If you want to visit, come very early.

Good variety of stock sold by the vendors - wouldn’t recommend coming on sunny and hot days as there’s no shade. We found interesting old newspapers and trinkets galore however we didn’t purchase anything. If you’re arriving with public transport it is a bit out of the way and you’ll probably only spend 15-20 minutes there so plan accordingly.

Had a variety of clothes and antique pieces. Very hot if you come on a sunny day there’s no shade. Very cheap and amazing finds

An interesting place with a looooot of stuff. I arrived at 10:30 a.m. — some of the sellers had already left, some were actively going to leave. The flea market is located in a beautiful place, next to the thick fortification walls of the city.

Got here pretty late (11:30) and although they were already packing up I still managed to find some nice things. Definitely a good spot for collectors esp if you’re looking for British and military memorabilia. Just wish it was opened for longer.

This is a Maltese flea market. Of course, it can’t compare to the famous markets in Paris or Berlin, so don’t expect anything truly unique or vintage in the classic European sense. But! If you’re in the mood for a casual stroll, want to soak up some local color, or are looking for something decorative — especially if you have a home on the island — it’s definitely worth a visit. There’s plenty of clothing, shoes, textiles (blankets, pillows), and what’s especially nice is that you can find typical Maltese items, like original door handles. If that’s what you’re after, this is the right place. Overall, nothing extraordinary, but it’s worth visiting just for the experience.

the most amazing place with the weirdest stuff! has clothes, kitchenware, plants, everyday items, shoes, books and everything else that you might need. you can even have a snack and a drink at a corner kiosk!

With all the historic buildings, this part of the city is a great attraction for everyone. Not only many historical buildings creating an amazing view, but also works of architecture and super yachts that you are unlikely to see in most European ports.

We went here to see the Malta Fireworks Festival. And oh boy were we impressed… in fact that’s an understatement!!! BEST fireworks I’ve ever seen, I think I would like to come here for NYE if this is their standard 😁

Superb place, With its position in central Mediterranean, Malta has always attracted the attention of reigning supremacies. This deep natural harbour has been regarded as a safe refuge since ancient times. With its breathtaking views of Fort St. Angelo, Fort Ricasoli and the historic Three Cities (Bormla also known as Cospicua, Birgu or Vittoriosa and Isla, otherwise known as Senglea) on one side and the magnificent re-developed Pinto Vaults on the other, Malta’s Grand Harbour commands the respect of many seafarers, tourists and historians of all nationalities. The physical features of the harbour did not change much over the centuries but when comparing the fortifications and amenities introduced through time, one will notice the changes that occurred during its long history. Early and medieval times Historical evidence shows that the Grand Harbour was used as a main port since at least the Roman period. Medieval times in Malta were characterised by continual conflicts at sea, with Malta changing its feudal lords quite often. Foreign overlords had their own ships which visited the Grand Harbour on a regular basis. The Order of St. John On 26 October 1530, Philippe Villiers de l'Isle-Adam, Grand Master of the Knights, sailed into Malta's Grand Harbour to take claim of the island, which had been granted to the Knights by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Seven years earlier, the Knights had been forced from their Rhodes base by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. In the 15th century the entrance to the Grand Harbour was not defended. There were hardly any dwellings on the Xebb ir-Ras peninsula and the left-hand side of the entrance, now occupied by Fort Ricasoli, was not yet fortified. Birgu was then more or less a hamlet but it provided certain services along its wharf. It was the centre for all transactions involving administration, trading and handling of sea vessels. Elsewhere the harbour area was deserted, while a few people lived in Bormla and Isla. The Grand Harbour provided shelter for all types of vessels in its creeks. Fresh drinking water was available at the innermost end of the harbour in the Marsa area. However, large areas of the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett were still too exposed to the elements. Probably the berthing of ships was confined to the creeks where they would find safety and deep waters for anchorages. Once the Order decided to remain in Malta all attention was focused on upgrading the harbour area. All present fortifications, most of the warehouses and a good number of manmade quays were conceived by the Knights, who eventually along with the rest of mainland Europe, came to appreciate Malta as a stronghold against Muslim territorial expansion. The island's position in the centre of the Mediterranean made it a strategically crucial gateway between East and West, especially as the corsairs increased their forays into the western Mediterranean throughout the 1540s and 1550s. Following the siege on the island of Gozo in 1551, another Ottoman invasion was expected within a year. Grand Master Juan de Homedes, ordered the strengthening of Fort St. Angelo at the tip of Birgu, as well as the construction of two new forts, Fort St. Michael on the Senglea promontory and Fort St. Elmo at the seaward end of Xebb ir-Ras. The two new forts were built in the remarkably short period of six months in 1552. All three forts proved crucial during the Great Siege (1565). The Turkish armada arrived at dawn on Friday 18 May 1565, but did not at once make land. The fleet sailed up the southern coast of the island and anchored at Marsaxlokk harbour, nearly 10 kilometres from the Great Port, as the Grand Harbour was then known. From the ramparts of Fort St. Angelo Grand Master La Vallette directed all major battles against the Turks. Fort St. Elmo was manned by around 100 knights and 500 soldiers but La Vallette ordered them to fight to the last, intending to hold out for a relief promised by Don Garcia, Viceroy of Sicily.

Visiting Valletta, the capital of Malta, back in April 2019. Our cruise ship docked near the Grand Harbor. Beautiful views from the upper gardens and the weather was great in April. We were so lucky to have watched the performance of the Saluting Battery with crowds of visitors.

God loved that place as he created it... As a family we enjoyed romantic walks in that part of city, it is really beutiful. Looking forward to come back again.

Majestic harbour providing shelter to boats, towns and the capital city Valletta. Cross the grand harbour from Valletta to the three cities by boat. All bastion walls were built by the Knights and the Maltese in the 1500s and recently restored to their formal glory.

One of the most beautiful places I have visited frequently each year. So much to see. Beautiful surroundings and natural settings. Glorious food and wine and wonderful people who have always been so welcoming.

Auberge de Castille is more than just an architectural masterpiece, it’s one of the most iconic buildings in Valletta and a must-see if you’re exploring the city. Sitting proudly at the highest point of Valletta, right at the entrance to the city near the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the building commands attention with its grand Baroque façade and stately presence. The building serves as the office of the Prime Minister of Malta. You can’t go inside (unless you’re lucky enough to be invited to an official event), but even from the outside, it’s a stunning spot to admire, photograph, and take in the rich layers of Maltese history. The surrounding area is equally impressive with panoramic views over the Grand Harbour just a few steps away and plenty of benches to relax and soak it all in. If you’re in Valletta, don’t miss it, it’s one of the best ways to connect with the city’s noble past. Google it and find out the history.

​Auberge de Castille stands as a magnificent example of 18th-century Baroque architecture, a true masterpiece at the highest point of Valletta. Built originally by the Knights of St. John, it now serves as the prestigious Office of the Prime Minister of Malta, blending centuries of history with modern governance.

The auberge is located at Castile Place, close to Saint James Cavalier, the Malta Stock Exchange, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. It sits at the highest point of Valletta and overlooks Floriana and the Grand Harbour area. Built in the Baroque style under the magistracy of Manuel Pinto da Fonseca in the 1740s, it replaced a 1574 building erected to house knights of the Order of Saint John from the langue of Castile, León and Portugal. The Order of St. John was expelled from Malta with the French invasion and occupation in 1798. The auberge subsequently became a headquarters for the French forces, and it later housed a Commission for National Property. In 1805, the auberge became the headquarters of the British Armed Forces. On 4 March 1972, the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta moved from Auberge d'Aragon to Auberge de Castille

Auberge de Castille is more than just an architectural masterpiece, it’s one of the most iconic buildings in Valletta in the public square and a must-see if you’re exploring the city. Sitting proudly at the highest point of Valletta, right at the entrance to the city near the Upper Barrakka Gardens,

A stunning public place to stroll through. If you’re looking to relax, I’d suggest going to the nearby upper gardens.

Nice spot to visit. I can recommend to go there.

Nice place to relax

Visible from Valletta & Birgu (fort St Angelo). Gate is closed. Parts of filmset is visible (roman Temple of Gladiator 2 ?)

It's really sad that you can't enter. It looks neglected. It's a shame since it's such an Iconic place.

for all people who want to see the fort, its closed but you can see it from the Lower Barrakka Gardens if you go all the way to the back, thats how you see it, its the best view you can get without entering, you can also see the gate from the end of the movie

The Fort is now closed off to the public and impossible to enter which is such a waste as it's beautiful and you can fit almost an entire town inside it. It was used by the British colony as their military barracks and in more recent times, various different films built their film set here in the but not anymore as it's not taken care of and most of the building are slowly crumbling down.

The public cannot access, as to dangerous & old, this Fort is used for movie filming, Aug 2023 onwards has large false buildings for GLADIATOR II......worth flying a drone over to see DENZEL WASHINGTON & Pedro Pascal

Keep in mind that the fort isn't accessible! Google maps shows you the path but it's blocked!

Great historic building with amazing views of the grand harbour

A little too obvious and realistic, I was expecting something more metaphorical. Still the plants are very well cared for and the surrounding infrastructure is clean and tidy. Great views on the port and the fort, which is a must see in my opinion.

Poignant statue to the last British service man to leave Malta.

This is the Freedom Monument which symbolises the British Forces leaving Malta on 31st March 1979, now known as Freedom Day. The Royal Navy were the last to leave and a sailor can be seen shaking the hand of a Maltese man, whilst the Maltese flag is raised to a bugle call.

Birgu in itself is a beautiful old city. The monument is just part of it all

Enjoyed visiting this historic site. Well maintained and clean.

Nice View to the harbour! Nice Monument! For taking Fotos wonderful!

great spot to overlook Island and the harbor.

Closed do to renovation

(Translated by Google) The monument depicting a soldier lying on a catafalque commemorates the 7,000 who died during World War II. The plaque on the monument contains a fragment of a poem by British poet Laurence Binyon "For the Fallen". “At sunset And in the morning "We will remember them." (Original) Pomnik przedstawiający żołnierza leżącego na katafalku upamiętnia 7000 poległych podczas II wojny swiatowej. Tablica znajdująca się na pomniku zawiera fragment wiersza brytyjskiego poety Laurence Binyon "Dla Upadłych" „O zachodzie słońca A rano będziemy o nich pamiętać”.

(Translated by Google) Very beautiful viewpoint from the city of Valletta to admire the Ford opposite. (Original) Très beau point de vue depuis la ville de la Valette pour admirer le Ford en face.

(Translated by Google) A very nice view and easy to get there on foot (Original) Eine sehr schöne Aussicht und leicht zu Fuß hinzukommen

(Translated by Google) A soldier's memorial symbolizing all those who died during World War II. (Original) Monumento conmemorativo de un soldado que simboliza a todas las personas que murieron durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial.

(Translated by Google) The highest honor of the soldiers, resting against the backdrop of the sea and the fortress. But the building itself is being restored, which does not affect your view of it in the lower labbarra park. (Original) 士兵们的最高荣誉，在大海和堡垒的映衬下长眠。但是建筑本身在修复，不影响你在lower labbarra公园看到他。

(Translated by Google) Nice spot to take photos... if you pass by. (Original) Beau spot pour faire des photos... si vous passez par la.

Il Collachio is the historical and cultural heart of Vittoriosa—a rare gem where you can still feel the legacy of the Knights, appreciate rich architectural heritage, and immerse yourself in the medieval soul of Malta. It's perfect for walking, photography, and soaking in centuries of history. It was originally the reserved area for the Knights of the Order of St. John upon their arrival in Birgu in 1530. This layout was inspired by their quarters in Rhodes, though public access was still allowed. You can still see several intact auberges (lodges), such as the Auberge de France, Auberge d’Angleterre, and Auberge d’Aragon, all built in the 16th century. The district features narrow cobblestone alleys, limestone facades, and colorful wooden balconies, all radiating a strong medieval character. Carefully restored, the area blends medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural influences. It is one of the most picturesque and colorful neighborhoods on the island. Local historian Lino Bugeja notes that these are the same alleys where cheers rang out after the lifting of the Great Siege of 1565, lending the area a uniquely haunting historical atmosphere. Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for soft natural lighting in the alleyways. Nearby sights: Explore the surrounding auberges, the Inquisitor’s Palace, Fort St. Angelo, and the Maritime Museum. What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestones, a camera, and possibly a guide for deeper insight.

This place is absolutely beautiful, the streets are beautiful and it’s so peaceful and quiet. Perfect place to take some photos whilst you stay in Malta it doesn’t disappoint. Had so much fun exploring the narrow historic streets.

Beautiful old quarter, rebuilt after the destruction of Birgu during the great siege of 1565. Clean narrow streets, canyons of golden limestone, with tiny Mediterranean balconies as guettes for elder Maltese ladies keeping an eye on the tourists below.

Our air BNB was right in birgu, super location for visiting everything around.

(Translated by Google) Quiet, air currents between the alleys! Top 👍 (Original) Calme, des courants d'air entre les ruelles ! Top 👍

Just beautiful!

Il-Collachio is the historical and cultural heart of Birgu (Vittoriosa). Originally its edges were marked with small stone columns in the streets. One still can be seen in front of the house where the "auberge d'Allemagne" was located on the piazza originally. After the knights of St. John (Knights Hospitaler) had been forced to leave Rhodes and moved to Malta in 1530, the Collachio became the center of the knights. They had been housed in different auberges (inns) in Rhodes segregated by langues. This structure had been adapted in Birgu (1530–1571) and in Valletta later (from 1571). At that time no woman was allowed to enter the marked area of the Collachio. The "auberge de France" - nowadays obtained by the local council of Birgu - and the "auberge d'Auvergne and Provence" are located in Triq Hilda Tabone (if you are on the piazza of Birgu on the left hand side of Café Du Brazil) which was the main shopping street of Birgu in the old days. The circular or half round order of the small side streets to the right of Triq Hilda Tabone is inherited by the strategically defensive structures when Birgu was a little village influenced by Arabs centuries ago. Still at the end of the 1990s the Collachio was mainly populated by locals and entire Birgu with all its inherited treasures had the distinctive flair of a small Maltese village. In particular "Birgu by candlelight" at that time once a year in October provided a magic and very authentic impression how live must have been in medieval times.This event was unique, unforgettable and had been repeated yearly a few times. Unfortunately this fantastic, simple and authentic venue had been expanded to the noisy, overcrowded and very commercial "Birgu feast". In a way today the Birgu feast is hardly anything else than a regular feast in one of the Maltese villages except extensive fireworks and processions but instead with a large amount of candles in overcrowded streets. Within the last couple of years Birgu lost a lot of its character; as well many locals left their homes in the Collacchio and plenty of guest houses and boutique hotels took over. Different to before (approx. 15 years ago) loads of tourists and tourist groups invade Birgu and in particular the Collachio every single day and it became as bad as in Mdina. These days the best time to visit Birgu and/or the Collachio is either very early in the morning or else late in the afternoon to absorb at least a little bit of its charme that remained.

Large collection of armoury and weapons.

Must see

(Translated by Google) An absolute sight. We were lucky enough to be able to visit this historic place for the procession. An absolute recommendation. But also historically worth a visit (Original) Eine absolute Sehenswürdigkeit. Wie hatten das Glück zur Prozession diesen historischen Ort besuchen zu können. Eine absolute Empfehlung. Aber auch historisch immer ein Besuch wert

(Translated by Google) A nice place to walk, especially in the inner courtyard, among olive trees. You can sit in the shade and relax peacefully. (Original) Fajne miejsce spacerowe, zwłaszcza wewnętrznym dziedzińcem, wśród drzew oliwkowych. Można posiedzieć w cieniu i spokojnie odpocząć.

(Translated by Google) On Thursday, April 6, 2023, it was closed silently and without any information. (Original) W czwartek 6.04.23 zamknięte na glucho i bez jakiejkolwiek informacji.

(Translated by Google) Walking among the walls is impressive... (Original) Spacer wśród murów robi wrażenie...

(Translated by Google) My visit to the Ancient City Gates in Malta was a fascinating introduction to the local architecture and the rich medieval history of the area. This experience was part of a tour organised by ACE English, which included a guide from the school. The guide provided valuable information, deepening our understanding of the historical significance and architectural features of the site. Walking through the Ancient City Gates was an enriching experience, as I was able to appreciate up close the grandeur and beauty of the ancient structures, which symbolise the protection and reinforcement characteristic of medieval cities. The tour was an excellent opportunity to learn more about the artistic, historical and architectural aspects of the area. This visit was particularly special as it allowed me to immerse myself in the history and culture of Malta in a very tangible and visual way. I highly recommend a visit to the Ancient City Gates to anyone interested in history, architecture and wanting to experience an authentic piece of Malta’s past. It is a place that combines beauty, education and a window into a bygone era of great historical significance. (Original) Minha visita aos Ancient City Gates em Malta foi uma introdução fascinante à arquitetura local e à rica história medieval da região. Esta experiência foi parte de um passeio organizado pela escola de inglês ACE English, que incluiu a orientação de um guia da escola. O guia proporcionou informações valiosas, aprofundando nosso entendimento sobre a importância histórica e as características arquitetônicas do local. Passar pelo Ancient City Gates foi uma experiência enriquecedora, pois pude apreciar de perto a imponência e a beleza das estruturas antigas, que simbolizam a proteção e o reforço característicos das cidades medievais. O passeio foi uma excelente oportunidade para aprender mais sobre os aspectos artísticos, históricos e arquitetônicos da área. Essa visita foi particularmente especial, pois me permitiu mergulhar na história e na cultura de Malta de uma maneira muito tangível e visual. Recomendo fortemente uma visita aos Ancient City Gates para quem tem interesse em história, arquitetura e quer experimentar um pedaço autêntico do passado de Malta. É um local que combina beleza, educação e uma janela para uma era passada de grande significado histórico.

(Translated by Google) Nice place for a walk, after seeing the ancient access gate it is better to stay on the seafront (Original) Bel posto per una passeggiata, dopo aver visto la antica porta di accesso conviene stare sul lungomare

(Translated by Google) The old city gate at the Bastion of St. Michael is the only land access to Senglea's old town. The mighty city walls tower high above the harbor and are also prominently visible from the other two of the "Three Cities." You can climb the bastion, festively decorated with giant flags, and enjoy the view inland. (Original) Das alte Stadttor bei der Bastion des heiligen Michaels ist der einzige Zugang zur Altstadt von Senglea über Land. Die mächtigen Stadtmauern türmen sich hoch über den Hafen und sind auch noch prominent sichtbar von den anderen zwei der "Drei Städte". Man kann die feierlich mit riesigen Flaggen beschmückte Bastion besteigen und die Sicht landeinwärts genießen.

(Translated by Google) The main entrance gate in Sengle with three aisles was built in the 16th century. It looks very powerful because the walls are extremely wide. There are no special architectural decorations. (Original) Glavna ulazna kapija u Sengleu sa tri prolaza je izgrađena u 16. veku. Izgleda veoma moćno jer su zidine izuzetno široke. Nema posebnih arhitektonskih ukrasa.

(Translated by Google) Ancient City Gate marks the historic entrance to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta. This monumental 18th-century gate is adorned with coats of arms and Baroque sculptures. Passing through it, you enter the picturesque streets of the "City of Silence," steeped in history and charm. A must-see when visiting Mdina. (Original) Ancient City Gate marque l’entrée historique de Mdina, l’ancienne capitale de Malte. Ce portail monumental, datant du XVIIIe siècle, est orné d’armoiries et de sculptures baroques. En le franchissant, on pénètre dans les ruelles pittoresques de la « Cité du Silence », chargées d’histoire et de charme. Une étape incontournable lors de la visite de Mdina.

(Translated by Google) Unmissable! Unique piece of Malta's history. (Original) Imperdibile! Pezzo di storia unico di Malta.

A hidden little gem in of a chapel, so beautiful in the sunshine.