Birgu (Vittoriosa) & the Three Cities
Il-Birgu
The Order's first stronghold: the Three Cities of Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua, across the harbour from Valletta, have quiet old streets with a lively local atmosphere.
The Three Cities lie on the eastern side of the Grand Harbour, opposite Valletta. Birgu (Vittoriosa) was the Order's first capital after the Knights arrived in Malta in 1530, predating Valletta. Its stone lanes preserve the Knights' residences, the Inquisitor's Palace (now a museum) and the Maritime Museum, and restaurants crowd the yacht marina. Next door, the tip of Senglea has the Gardjola Gardens, where the sculpted eyes and ears on the lookout tower are a classic photo spot, with a panoramic view across the water to Valletta. From Valletta, take the ferry from below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, about 10 minutes, or cross the harbour in a traditional dgħajsa boat.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Fort St. Angelo
- Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery
- Lascaris War Rooms
- Grandmaster's Palace
- St. John's Co-Cathedral
- Valletta
- Fort St. Elmo & National War Museum
- Tarxien Temples