Places to See in The Three Cities

On the Eastern side of the Grand Harbour from Valletta, are the historic fortified towns referred to as the three cities. Vittoriosa (aka Birgu), Cospicua (aka Kalkara) and Senglea (aka Isla), built by the Grandmasters Cottonera, have a unique charm and character that distinguish them from all other towns in Malta, including Mdina and Valletta. Older than Valletta, the Three Cities were home to the first Knights of Malta. Fort St.Angelo, which was built around 12th century AD, was the headquarters of the Knights of Malta until Valletta was built.

Bishop’s Palace

The Palace was built by Bishop Cubelles in 1542, and enlarged in 1615 by Bishop Cagliares. The Palace also served as the Bishop’s Curia, and more recently as a school.

Safe Haven Gardens

Safe Haven Gardens are at the tip of the peninsula of Senglea. From here one can enjoy wonderful views of Valletta and the Grand Harbour. The watchtower in the gardens is known as the Gardjola.

Maritime Museum

The museum is housed in the former British naval bakery at the Birgu/Vittoriosa waterfront, built in 1842 over the site of a slipway where the Order of St John repaired their war galleys. On show are exhibits of expertly-made model ships, paintings, nautical instruments, weapons and traditional Maltese boats.

Fort St. Angelo

Fort St Angelo is the jewel in the crown of Malta’s military heritage and is located in Birgu/Vittoriosa. According to tradition, it stands on the site of a fortified Roman settlement. In medieval times, the fort was occupied by the Aragonese and the Angevins. In 1530, when the Knights arrived on the Islands, the fort became the seat of the Grand Master of the Order, It was to play a heroic role in the Great Siege of 1565, when, against all odds, it managed to repel a formidable Ottoman army.

Although earmarked for restoriation works, the Fort has sadly been left at the mercy of the elements for too long and is currently closed to the public.

Palace of the Universita

The Universita Palace was erected in 1538 to house the institution which took care of the needs of the town including the regular importation of wheat.

Church of Our Lady of Victories

Senglea’s parish church attracts pilgrims from all over Malta who come to pray in front of the statue of Christ The Redeemer.

Church of St.Lawrence

This church is built in Baroque style and is in the shape of a Latin cross. The columns are of very beautiful ocrecolored marble and on each column one can see the eight-pointed cross.

Church of the Immaculate Conception

The church dates to the 1600s. Standing before it, with steps either side leaning up to the Church, is a memorial to the victims of WWII.

The Inquisitor’s Palace

The Inquisitor’s Palace, situated in the heart of Vittoriosa, is an architectural gem and one of the very few surviving palaces of its kind.