The Three Cities of Malta

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

Just across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, there is a quieter and more ancient world.

Birgu

Birgu is the oldest of the Three Cities and once served as the first home of the Knights before Valletta was built. Its narrow lanes and stone arches still reflect that era.

At the waterfront you will find the Malta Maritime Museum, located inside the old Royal Naval Bakery. It tells the story of Malta’s long connection with the sea and displays ship models, anchors and naval artefacts.

A short walk up the hill brings you to the Inquisitor’s Palace and the nearby Malta at War Museum which occupies an old fortress and air-raid shelters from World War II.

The streets around the main square are full of charm — old doors painted in bold colours, small shrines in each corner and traditional balconies overlooking the alleys.

Near the marina you will find the Church of St. Lawrence which is famous for its baroque façade and views over the Grand Harbour. From here you can walk towards Fort St. Angelo, the massive fortress that protected Malta during the Great Siege.

Cospicua

Cospicua, also called Bormla, is the largest of the Three Cities. It is surrounded by massive fortifications — the Santa Margherita and Cottonera Lines — which once protected the inner harbour towns.

Today, Cospicua mixes old and new. Among the renovated townhouses you’ll find hidden alleys, small bars and local coffe places. Most of them are located opposite or right next to the American University.

Each year, during the Regatta Bormla, the waterfront fills with flags and boats competing in one of Malta’s oldest rowing traditions.

Senglea

Like Birgu, Senglea sits on a narrow peninsula facing Valletta. Its name comes from Claude de la Sengle, the Grand Master who rebuilt the city after the Great Siege of 1565.

At the tip of the peninsula you will find the Gardjola Tower, the famous limestone watchtower carved with an eye and an ear — symbols of vigilance used by the Knights to guard the harbour. From here, you’ll have one of the most iconic views in Malta, overlooking Valletta and the Grand Harbour.

Senglea is smaller and quieter than Birgu, with steeper steps very often filled with plants. You will also notice people’s laundry hanging in the air. However, along Xatt Juan B. Azzopardo (Senglea’s waterfront) you will find different restaurants.

Kalkara

Just beyond the Three Cities lies Kalkara. Though it is not part of the Three Cities, its peaceful harbour with views towards Fort Ricasoli and the Grand Harbour make you feel it is.

The iconic neoclassical Parish Church of St. Joseph, with a silver cupola in neoclassical style, is located next to the main square where locals often meet for a coffee or lunch in the sun. At the end of the marina and near the fort, you’ll have the best views towards Valletta. From here, you can watch gondolas and small boats going back and forth between Birgu and Valletta.

The building that stands out with a futuristic glas ball is the Esplora Interactive Science Centre, Malta’s science museum. It is great for families or anyone curious to explore something different.