The cities are interconnected and intertwined. And it’s hard to say where one city begins and where the other ends! Actually, they are similar to Valletta but more peaceful and with less traffic.

You can read more about the stunning city of Valletta here.

But now, let’s go for a walk around the alleyways, stone buildings, churches, colourful balconies, and along the Grand Harbour.

Vittoriosa, Grand Harbour Marina

How to get to the Three Cities

The ferry is the fastest way to come to Three Cities from Sliema and Valletta. A one-way ticket for adults is 1.50 EUR, and the return ticket is 2.80 EUR.

Also, you can catch a bus from Valletta to Cospicua or Senglea, as we did. Check the bus timetable here. Driving in Malta is on the left side of the road, so be careful when crossing the street or waiting for a bus.

A few words about the history of the Three Cities

The Three Cities have a rich history. Dating back to Phoenician times, today’s Grand Harbour was a perfect place for ships and settlements erected by various rulers throughout history.

Since medieval times, these cities have also been known by different names. For example, the former name of Cospicua is Bormla, Senglea is Isla, and Vittoriosa is Birgu. Even today, these names are still in use.

So, Three Cities was the first base when the Knights came from Rhodes to Malta in 1530. Actually, this area was the seat of the Sovereign Military Order of St John of Jerusalem. First, they settled in Birgu (later Vittoriosa), which was their capital. They rebuilt Castrum Maris, an ancient fortress, into the new Fort St Angelo.

Because of Malta’s strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea, the knights built a whole system of fortifications around Grand Harbour. It was reconstructed during the 17^th and 18^th centuries and included the Santa Margherita and the Cottonera Line. Built to defend the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, the remains of the ramparts and fortification walls can still be seen today.

From here, in 1571, the seat of the Order moved to Valletta, the new city and capital.

Cospicua – Bormla

First, we visit Cospicua, the largest among the Three Cities. Senglea is on the West, and Vittoriosa is on the East.

Ancient traces lead to Neolithic times and the Phoenicians, from which the name Bormla derives. In 1776, the Maltese Knights constructed a dockyard and improved the harbour facilities. Also, the British used it very often, particularly during the First and Second World Wars. Today, it is a part of a new marina. The city was named Cospicua by Grandmaster Marc Antonio Zondadari in 1722 because the fortifications were conspicuous.

The patron of the city is the Virgin Mary, and her golden-shining statue is located in the centre of Cospicua. Behind the statue, there are old zig-zag stairs.

Cospicua, the statue of Holy Mary, and zig-zag stairs

The main church is the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The original parish church was built in 1586, then renovated and finished around 1730.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

In front of this church, there is the War Memorial monument, erected in 1994. It was built in honour of the people who were killed in the Second World War and represents the triumph over the war.

Cospicua, the War Memorial monument

The other interesting church is St. Paul’s Church from the 18^th century, built on the foundation of the former church in 1590.

Cospicua, Church St. Paul

L’ Isla – Senglea

This small city got its name after Grand Master Claude de la Sengle in 1551. The former name is L-Isla, similar to the Italian word “Isola”, meaning “an island”. Senglea had a significant role during the Grand Siege against Turkish attacks in 1565, and it was known as the “invincible city” or “Citta’ Invicta”.

Senglea Harbour, Three Cities

The main church is the Basilica of the Nativity of Mary or Basilica of Our Lady of Victories. It is a Roman Catholic parish erected in 1580. Like many other buildings and churches, it was destroyed by bombs in 1941 and rebuilt later.

Church Our Lady of Victory, Senglea

Similar to Valletta, Senglea streets are filled with stone houses and buildings, and coloured balconies.

Senglea streets

The streets are also decorated, ready for festivals.

Senglea street

Actually, there are many religious festivities, cultural events, and local festivals of the villages with fireworks that take place in Malta throughout the whole year.

Decorated street in Senglea

Gardjola Gardens are located at the end of the Senglea peninsula. At the edge of its fortified walls, there is an interesting Gardjola watchtower. It has a hexagonal shape, and it is decorated with three symbols of guard and watch of the entrance in the harbour: ear, eye, and bird.

Gardjola watchtower, Senglea

From the rectangular windows, there is a fantastic view of Valletta buildings and the waterfront.

View of Valletta from the Gardjola watchtower, Senglea

Birgu – Vittoriosa 

Across Senglea city, there is Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa.

Together with Senglea, Birgu played a significant role during the Grand Siege. Grand Master Jean de La Valette renamed it “Civitas Vittoriosa”, meaning “Victorious Town”.
Vittoriosa was the first place where the Knights arrived in 1530 in Malta. Also, the first palaces, churches and the Knights’ “Auberges” were built here. Even today, you can see former buildings of Auberge de Castille et Portugal, Auberge d’Auvergne and Provence, Auberge d’ Aragon, and Auberge d’ Angleterre.

Auberge D’ D’Angleterre

Fort St Angelo

All around Birgu, you can see the fortifications consisting of a series of defensive walls.

The first fortress was Fort Saint Angelo, built on the place of Castrum Maris, an ancient fortress and castle. Later, it was the headquarters of the French Army and the British base for the Royal Navy. Today, it is under the rule of the Maltese government and the seat of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Across the Birgu, there is the neighbouring town of Kalkara.

Vittoriosa, Fort St Angelo

Once there were four gates in the city, built from limestone during the 18^th century. Today you can see three of them: the Couvre Porte Gate, the Advanced Gate and the Gate of Provence, while the Porta Marina was destroyed in 1806. Also, between the walls of the Couvre Porte Counterguard, there is the Malta War Museum, dedicated to World War II.

The churches in Birgu and Victoria Square

The oldest church in Birgu and Malta, as well as the Collegiate church of Saint Lawrence. Built in the baroque style, it was used as the Order’s first conventual church in Malta from 1530 to 1571. It overlooks the Grand Harbour, and it looks very impressive.

Vittoriosa, Church St Lawrence

Close to this church is the Oratory of the Holy Cross. It was built in 1720 on the graves of people who died during the Great Siege in 1565. And beside it, there is the Oratory of St Joseph, with a small museum.

The Oratory of the Holy Cross. and the Oratory of St Joseph, Birgu

These churches are close to Victoria Square (Misrah ir-Rebha), the main square for locals, surrounded by small cafes.
In the middle, there are the Victory Monument and the statue of St. Lawrence.

Victory Square (Misrah ir-Rebha) with St. Lawrence statue and the Victory statue, Vittoriosa

Inquisitor’s Palace in Three Cities

Just a short walk from Victoria Square, there is one interesting place: the Inquisitor’s Palace.

It was built in the 1530s by the Knights. First, it served as the Civil Law Courts of the Order of St John, but later became the headquarters of the Inquisitors. As a matter of fact, there were three inquisition tribunals: the Medieval, the Spanish and the Roman. One part of the building was the inquisitor’s private chambers with a private chapel. In the other part were the tribunal chamber and prisons. Even today, you can see a small prison,  communal cells, and torture chambers.

Inquisitor’s Palace: entrance, Piano Nobile, Inquisitor’s bedroom, prison cell, torture chamber

This palace, known as the “Sacred Palace”, was renovated a few times over the centuries. Since 1995, it has been a museum, and today it is one of the few surviving places of its kind in Europe. The entrance fee is 6 euros for adults and 4,50 euros for students and senior citizens.

Marina Vittoriosa in Three Cities

Welcome to the fascinating Marina Vittoriosa, nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Marina Arch Gate, main entrance, Birgu

Malta Maritime Museum in Three Cities

The Maritime Museum is located in the building of the former Royal Navy Bakery, which was constructed in the 1840s, on the Birgu waterfront.

Maritime history fans will certainly enjoy looking at the collection of over 20.000 artefacts from prehistoric times to the present day. So, there you can see the largest Roman anchor in the world, and various models of boats and ships, including a large model of the third-rate navy ship of the Order of Saint John. Then there are various anchors, amphorae, cannons, weapons, documents, paintings, uniforms, measuring scales, as well as the steam engine from the 1950s. The entrance fee is 5 euros for adults, and a reduced fee is 3,5 euros.

Maritime museum, Vittoriosa

Three Cities, along with the Grand Harbour

If you have enough time, take a whole day and just wander these beautiful places. It is always pleasant to walk around the quiet and narrow alleys with stone buildings, decorated with flowers and coloured balconies.

Vittoriosa street

At Vittoriosa waterfront, take a break in one of the many restaurants and cafes.
Enjoy the view of many boats and luxury yachts in the marina.

Vittoriosa Harbour

For example, during our visit in 2012, there was a famous superyacht, Maltese Falcon.
In a word, it looked fantastic, anchored by the walls of fascinating Fort Angelo.

Maltese Falcon yacht, Grand Harbour, Malta, 2012.

We finished our Three Cities tour with a ride in a local water taxi named Dghajsa. It is similar to the Venetian gondola, and for 5 euros it goes around Grand Harbour. Definitely, it was a ride to remember, between the boats and yachts, across one of the deepest natural harbours in Europe.

Grand Harbour

So, after a ride around the harbour, we arrived at the Valletta waterfront.
Through Victoria Gate, we came to the centre of Valletta’s crowded streets, filled with history and modern lifestyle.

Mostly it is known as The City of the Knights, because of the military and charitable Order of St John of Jerusalem and its leader, Jean De La Vallette.

Valletta is a real museum under the open sky. You can see stunning historical and architectural traces on every corner of the city.
The whole city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. Its narrow streets are perfect for getting lost, and they are lined with beige-yellow-stone palaces, ornate churches, various statues, small shops, and interesting cafes and restaurants.

The streets in Valletta

How to get to Valletta

Valletta is located on the northeast coast of the island of Malta.
It can be reached by plane and by sea. Malta International Airport is located 5 km southwest of Valletta. There are four express bus lines (X1, X2, X3 and X4), which operate from the airport to various places in Malta.

The sea surrounds Valletta on three sides. There are two harbours in the natural bay: Grand Harbour to the east, and Marshamxett Harbour to the west, which makes it today a popular cruise destination, as well.

Depending on where you stay, you can easily come to Valletta by bus, rent a car or take a taxi.

What to see in Valletta

Valletta is the European Union’s smallest capital city with an area of about 61 ha. But it is one of the most densely populated areas in Europe. And owing to the recent renovation, it was the European Capital of Culture in 2018.
The best way to see and explore Valletta is on foot. There are so many different sights to see: baroque buildings, old palaces, museums, churches, cathedrals, fortified walls and towers. Also, you can take the Malta Pass, a card that offers you free entry to over 35 of the most popular attractions around Malta.

Valletta is a very busy city during the day because it is the main commercial and administrative centre of the country. When you get tired of looking and wandering the narrow streets, take a break in many interesting cafes and restaurants. And when the night comes, it is more peaceful. The city crowd is moving to St. Julian and Sliema, two main tourist spots across Valletta.

A few words about the history of Valletta

Valletta and the Maltese islands have a long and reach history because of their specific position in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta was under the rule of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans, and it was a part of the Kingdom of Sicily.
Later, Malta was ruled by the Order of the Knights Hospitaller, Napoleon Bonaparte, and it was a British colony.
Finally, Malta became independent in September 1964.

The Knights of Malta

But now, let’s go back to the time of medieval knights. In 1530, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, gave Malta to the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in perpetual lease.

They came from Rhodes Island because they were expelled by the Ottomans under the command of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Usually known as the Knights of Malta, they ruled the Maltese islands between 1530 and 1798. Many hospitals, architectural, cultural, and infrastructure projects were made during that period.

One of the most well-known Grand Masters was Jean Parisot de Valette, a French nobleman and military leader. He is known for the famous Great Siege of Malta, the battle in which the knights, together with the Maltese people, defeated the Ottomans in 1565. After the siege, which lasted nearly four months, the knights decided to build fortifications around the harbour area. Also, a new city was built and named Valletta, in honour of the great leader.

Even today, you can see the fortifications, ramparts, watchtowers, churches, and cathedrals. As a matter of fact, the knight traces are everywhere, all around the country.

The city of Valletta

Valletta was built along with a grid plan. It means that streets are lined at right angles to each other. In fact, many cities don’t have this structure even today!

The first buildings in Valletta were the Auberges. There were the headquarters of the different ethnic groups of knights. So, every Auberge has a residence with a chapel, refectories and other rooms in the courtyard. Today, only five Auberges are left in Valletta.

The largest and most beautiful is the Auberge de Castille, built in 1574. First, it was built as the Auberge of Castile, Leon and Portugal. Then it was replaced with a building in the 1740s, erected by the famous Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca. The building is located in Republic Street, and today it is the Prime Minister’s Office.

Officially, Valletta became the capital city of Malta and the seat of the Order in March 1571.

Valletta, Auberge de Castille

The Maltese Cross

I am sure that you know what the Maltese Cross looks like. It is a symbol of the Order of the Knights of Saint John.
But do you know what it really means?

The Maltese Cross and magnets

The history of this unusual cross dates back to 1126, when it was officially adopted by the Order of Knights Hospitallers of St. John.
So, the Maltese Cross has 8 points. Each of them represents eight heavenly virtues: truth, faith, repentance, humility, justice, mercy, purity, and endurance of persecution.
Also, they represent eight Langues (nationalities) of the original Knights. They were: Auvergne, Provence, France, Aragon, Castile and Portugal, Italy, Germany, and the British Isles. Even today, it is the symbol of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

The Maltese cross was found on a copper coin dated 1567, during the rule by Grand Master Jean de la Valette. Today, the Maltese coins of 1 and 2 euros also carry the Maltese Cross. Interesting, isn’t it

The fortifications in Valletta

All around the city, you can see various fortifications and walls.

In the beginning, knights were located in the Three Cities (today Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa). After the Great Siege in 1565, they rebuilt a small fort, making a new Fort St Elmo, one of the most important defensive spots in centuries. Originally, it was a star-shaped, characteristic style for medieval fortresses. Fort looks to entrances to Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour as well. Inside Fort St. Elmo, there is the National War Museum.

Entrance to the Fort St. Elmo

Fort Manoel was built in the 18^th century. It is located on Manoel Island in Marsamxett Harbour.

Fort Manoel

Across Valletta, there is Fort St. Angelo, the former seat of the Grand Master of the Order.
So, by the end of the 18th century, there were fortifications with towers all around both harbours.

Fort St. Angelo

St. Barbara Bastion is overlooking the Grand Harbour. The view of the ramparts and walls built in the 16^th century is fascinating. Just try to imagine what it looked like in medieval times.

St. Barbara ramparts, Valletta

Close to this bastion, there is Victoria Gate, known as Porta del Monte. It was built by the British in 1885 to replace the old city gate from the sea, erected at the end of the 16^th century. The British named this gate after Queen Victoria. It was fully renovated in 2010. Besides a new City Gate, only this gate exists, because other gates were destroyed between the 19th and 20th centuries.

Valletta, Victoria Gate

The ports of Valletta

Valletta is nestled in the Sciberras peninsula, in a natural bay, which actually divides the Grand Harbour from Marsamxett Harbour.

Grand Harbour (Il-Port il-Kbir in Maltese) lies between Valletta and the Three Cities. It was used as the main port for centuries. On the north, there are St. Elmo Point breakwater and Ricasoli breakwater, which make the port very safe throughout the whole year.

St Elmo breakwater and Risacoli breakwater, Valletta harbour

The Port of Valletta is one of the deepest natural European harbours, extending about 3.6 km. It is a multipurpose port that offers many maritime services for boats, cruises, ferries, cargo boats, ship repairing, building yards, and various reception facilities.

In Vittoriosa Yacht Marina, you can also find superyachts. During our visit (in August 2012), the famous Maltese Falcon yacht was anchored there. It is one of the world’s largest and most expensive private sailing vessels. In a word, it was a tourist attraction, both for visitors and locals, as well. And it was looking so good in Grand Harbour

The Maltese Falcon yacht in Grand Harbour, and Fort St. Angelo

Marsamxett Harbour is located on the other side of Valletta. In the middle of the harbour, there is Manoel Island with Fort Manoel. This harbour is overlooking Sliema and St. Julian’s.

Valletta Waterfront is also a very interesting place to see. Cafes and restaurants are located in the former warehouses, built during the rule of Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca.

Wandering the city of Valletta

If you are looking at the map of Valletta, every corner has something to tell you.

You can start a walk from the Triton fountain, located just outside the City Gate of Valletta. The fountain consists of three bronze Tritons. Since 1959, when it was completed, it has become a landmark and has been used for various events, leading to its damage over the years. Also, the main bus station was there, and the buses were going around it. The restoration started in 2017 and was finally finished on 12 January 2018, just one week before Valletta became the European Capital of Culture 2018.

Triton Fountain, August 2012.

Well, a new entrance to Valletta was built between 2011 and 2014 on a former City Gate, to the designs of the Italian architect Renzo Piano.
As part of the City Gate Project, the new Parliament building was constructed between 2011 and 2015 as well. So today, all area around Triton Square and City Gate has completed a new look.

Close to the Triton fountain, in the Floriana district, there is the famous Hotel Phoenicia, a favourite hotel of Queen Elizabeth II. It was built by the British in the 1930s in Art Deco style and hosted many politicians, famous actors and persons. The 5-star hotel was renovated and reopened in May 2017.

Republic Street

When you pass through the new City Gate, you enter Republic Street.
This is the main street in Valletta and leads towards Fort St. Elmo. It is about 1 kilometre long, and it divides the city into two parts. The street is a pedestrian zone and very crowded with tourists and locals. There you can find many interesting buildings, museums, churches, shops, etc.

Valletta, Republic Street

For example, close to the entrance to the city, there is a beautiful Palazzo Ferreria from the late 19^th century, with wooden and green-coloured balconies. Actually, it is the second biggest palace in the city after the Grandmaster’s Palace.

Palazzo Ferreria

Also, the National Archaeological Museum is located in the former seat of the Auberge de Provence.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral

One of the highlights in Valletta is the famous St John’s Co-Cathedral, on St. John Square.
The Cathedral was built as the conventional church for the Knights of St. John and dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. After the Great Siege in 1565 and the building of a new city, the Grand Masters and several knights made donations for this amazing place.

The facade of St John’s Co-Cathedral

The construction started in 1572 and was completed in 1577. It was designed by the Maltese military architect Gerolamo Cassar in the Baroque style. There are so many stunning details everywhere you look. The walls are carved and gilded, and everything is shining: the high altar, frescoes, and a huge organ.

The Baroque interior of St. John Co-Cathedral

The side chapels are dedicated to Grand Masters, belonging to each particular “Langues” of the Order. Some of them were buried in the Crypt. The most important sarcophagi belong to Jean de La Vallette and Jean de la Cassiere, who built the Cathedral. The floor is unique, consisting of marble tombstones of about 400 Knights. In a word, it is an amazing and a little bit scary view.

In the beautiful, ornate Oratory, there is a famous painting, “The Beheading of St John the Baptist” by Caravaggio from 1608. The dimensions of the painting are 3 by 5 meters, and it is Caravaggio’s greatest masterpiece, with his signature.

The entrance fee is €15 for adults and €7.50 for students or senior citizens. The children under the age of 12 are free of charge, accompanied by an adult. The fee includes the provision of audio guides, available in a few languages.

Take care of the dress code and forget about the heels. They can damage the marble floor, and you can’t enter the cathedral.

Republique Square

This square was originally called Piazza Tesoreria because the treasury of the Order of Saint John was located there. In the 19^th century, a white marble statue of Queen Victoria was installed in the square, and it also became known as Queen’s Square.

Behind the statue, there is the National Library of Malta, known as the Bibliotheca. It was built in 1796 and served as the Order’s library. There are a few cafes and restaurants around the square, and the most popular is Café Cordina. So, take a break and enjoy Maltese delicacies, gourmet products and sweets, made traditionally. Actually, the café has a long history since the Cordina family started from a small shop in Bormla in 1837 and later moved to Valletta.

Valletta, Republic Square, Queen Victoria statue

On the square, there is one of the favourite tourist selfie spots: a British red telephone booth and a red post box. Today, there are a few booths left in Malta’s cities, usually on the main squares.

The red telephone booth and post box

Saint George Square

Next to Republic Square, there is a popular Saint George Square. On one side, there is a marvellous Grandmaster’s Palace, and on the opposite is the Main Guard Building, originally built as a guardhouse in 1603 by the Order of St. John. Also, there are two identical fountains on both sides of this building.

Main Guard Building with fountains

In front of the entrance of Grandmaster’s Palace, there is a modern floor-level fountain.
Well, it is a perfect refresh on hot summer days and irresistible fun, both for kids and adults, like us

Saint George Square and modern floor-level fountain

Grand Master’s Palace

There are many palaces in Valletta. But Grandmaster’s Palace is the best-known and the largest in the city.

This building, simply known as the Palace, has two floors and occupies an entire block. It was built between the 16^th and 18^th centuries as the palace of the Grand Master of the Order of St John. The original Palace was designed by Gelormo Cassar, but it was developed and renovated by various Grandmasters. Today, the Palace houses the office of the President of Malta.
Part of the building, consisting of the Palace rooms and Armoury, is open to visitors as a museum.

First, you enter the Neptune Courtyard, where you can see the bronze statue of the god Neptune.

Entrance to the Neptune courtyard, and a view from the Grand Master’s Palace

The other, smaller courtyard is the Prince Alfred courtyard, named after one of Queen Victoria’s sons. But it is known for an interesting tower with Pinto’s clock, ordered by Grandmaster Manoel Pinto de Fonseca. So, the clock shows four dials: time, the day, months and phases of the moon.

Grand Master’s Palace, Pinto’s clock in the courtyard

The Palace rooms

Walking around the palace corridors, it seems that you are back in medieval times. The Palace looks amazing with many knight armouries, portraits of Grandmasters on the walls and various coats.

The main entrance to the upper floor, Grand Master’s Palace

The ceiling is decorated with stunning frescoes by Niccolo Nasoni, an Italian architect, also known for his influence on Porto’s cathedrals and palaces.

Grand Master’s Palace, Valletta

Grand Master’s Palace

Besides the armoury, there are several interesting rooms. First, the Throne Room, originally known as the Supreme Council Hall, was used by Grandmasters to host ambassadors and visiting important persons. The walls are covered with twelve frescoes representing the siege of 1565 and 1576-1581 by Matteo Perez d’Aleccio, a former student of Michelangelo.

The next one is the Ambassador’s Room, known as the Red Room because of the red hanging damask. Then, there is the Waiting Room or Yellow Room, known as the yellow damask, which covers the wall. And the well-preserved French Gobelins tapestries “Les Teintures des Indes” with tropical scenes from the 18^th century could be seen in Tapestry Hall.

Armoury Museum

So, after the death of a knight, his armoury becomes the property of the Order.
The museum contains an armoury collection from the 16^th to the 18^th centuries. So, after the death of a Knight, his armoury becomes the property of the Order. There you can see various helmets, shields, swords, spears, halberds, pikes (pole weapons), many armours of knights, several cannons, and carriages as well.

The collection contains very rare and unique armoury pieces of French, Italian, German, and Spanish origin, and some Ottoman weapons as well. Of course, the most famous examples are the armour of the famous Grand Master Jean de la Valette and Alof de Wignacourt.

Armoury Museum

The Casa Rocca Piccola

Going down Republic Street, you will find the Casa Rocca Piccola.
In a word, the privately owned palace is from the 16^th century. Actually, nine generations of the Marquis de Piro family have lived there.

So, the owner decides to open one part of the palace to the public, to show the customs, history and traditions of the Maltese Noble family. Only guided tours are possible in several languages and last about one hour.
The admission fee is 9€ for adults, and it is possible to book a private tour with Marquis and Marchesa de Piro, as well. Unfortunately, we came a bit late (the last admission is at 4 pm), so book your visit in time and check the opening hours.

Casa Rossa Piccola, Republic Street

Upper and Lower Barracca Gardens

Close to Merchant Street, the second main street in Valletta, there are the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens.

Also, you can enter the Upper Gardens by the Barrakka Lift from the Grand Harbour if you arrive by cruise. The lift was reopened in December 2012, at the same place where the first lift was in 1905. The ticket costs 1 EUR, and the trip lasts approximately 23 seconds.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens were created in 1661. First, they were used as private gardens for the Italian knights.
Today, the gardens are open to the public and make a perfect place to escape for a while from the busy centre and crowds. Take a walk between the various statues, shrubs, flowers, and arches. Relax on the benches and enjoy the beautiful view across the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.

The view of Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens

From the Upper Gardens, you can see and visit the Saluting Battery, consisting of eight lined-up cannons. Every day at 12:00 and 16:00, you can hear shots from the cannons. It is a reminder of many battles and sieges on the island, and the battery’s historic significance, as well.

The terraced area is very interesting, with arches and benches to sit and enjoy the view of the blue sea and blue sky.

Arches in Lower Barrakka Gardens

The Siege Bell War Memorial

Close to Barrakka Gardens, there is the Siege Bell War Memorial, built in 1992. This monument is made in memory of more than 7,000 people who were killed during the Second World War in Malta. Well, during the war, Malta was under the British protectorate.

At the foot of the Bell, there is a bronze figure, a monument of the Unknown Soldier, looking across the Grand Harbour.

The Siege Bell War Memorial

In the Lower Barrakka Gardens, you can see a monument in the form of a Roman temple, erected in 1810. It is the monument to Sir Alexander Bell, one of the Maltese leaders against the French in the 1798 uprising. There is also a small fountain in front of the monument.

Monument to Sir Alexander Ball

The churches and cathedrals in Malta 

Since Malta is one of the most Catholic countries in the world, there are many churches and cathedrals.
Besides St John’s Co-Cathedral, some of the most famous churches in Valletta are:

Our Lady of Victories, the oldest church and the first building erected in Valletta.

◊ Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck, a parish church, founded in 1570, is also one of the oldest churches in the city.

Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, founded in 1570, is known for its oval-shaped dome at a height of 42 meters. You can see it in many photos of Valletta’s skyline.

◊ Augustine Church, the Church of St. Catherine, and the Church of St Francis of Assisi.

Our Lady of Victories, Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Church of St Catherine, the Church of St Francis of Assisi

St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral, built at the site of the Auberge d’Allemagne between 1839 and 1844, in the Neo-Classical style. The spire is rising to over 60 meters. It is one of Valletta’s landmarks, together with the dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

St. Paul Pro-Cathedral

Valletta, an unforgettable city 

As you can see, there are so many places to see and visit in Valletta, depending on your interests.

The city is a maze of narrow, intertwined streets, which hide secrets and the glorious past of knights who had it built, renovated and heroically defended for centuries.

Just take a deep breath of the fresh sea air and enjoy the views of the colourful balconies and old palaces, which make Valletta so unique, marvellous and irresistible.

Valletta skyline