Three Cities: Preserved History of Malta
Historic architecture in Birgu
Walking through history
Entering the Three Cities feels like stepping into a Malta that is disappearing elsewhere. Unlike Valletta, which has transformed into a busy commercial hub packed with restaurants and bars, the Three Cities are peaceful and authentic. Here, small family-run shops still bear their original character. Elderly locals are sitting on benches along the marina chatting to each other, just like they have for decades.
Birgu
Whenever we visit Birgu we stroll along Birgu’s waterfront and watch the boats glide in and out of the bay. During summer we love grabbing an icecream at Sottozero. Just next to it, you will find an alley with stairs that take you to the centre of Birgu. All houses are historic and can date back to the 1500s. Most of the buildings are in a great state. However, some walls seem weathered as their limestone eroded. People paint their doors and balconies in shiny colours and you may even come across the blue and yellow door from our article cover. If you made it all the way to the other side of Birgu, you will have a fantastic view to the Kalkara marina.
Cospicua and Senglea
Besides Birgu, the Three Cities are made up of Cospicua and Senglea. Cosipicua is the area at the end of the bay, around the American University, and Senglea is the peninsula right next to it. If you like coffee, then Date Arte Cafe is definitely worth a visit. People have their coffee and snacks outside and sit on cozy pillows that are spread across the stairs facing the marina. It is a 10 minute walk from here til you get to the tipping point of Senglea. This is were you will find the beautiful Guardiola Gardens and the best view towards Valletta.
Terrace near Guardiola Gardens facing Birgu and Valletta
Places to visit
Here are some of the places you shouldn’t miss:
Fort St. Angelo: This historic fort stands at the tip of the peninsula, in the very centre of the Grand Harbour. Even if you don’t go inside, the area around it offers great views towards Valletta and the open sea.
The Inquisitor’s Palace: A fascinating insight into Malta’s past, this palace served as a courthouse and later as the residence of the Inquisitor. You can explore the cells, grand halls and the small museum dedicated to Maltese culture.
St. Lawrence Church: A beautiful baroque church in Birgu that once served as the headquarters for the Knights of St. John before Valletta was built.
Malta at War Museum: One of our favourite museums in Malta. In the upper part you will find items from World War II, including arms, food rations and gas masks that were given to civilians. Below ground you can enter the narrow catacombs that were built to protect the population against Italian airforce and the German Luftwaffe.
Gondolas can take you from Valletta ferry point right to Birgu
How to get there
You can either go by gondola or ferry from Valletta to Birgu, crossing the Grand Harbour. Since the gondola trip costs €3 per person, we recommend you enjoy the charme of it at least once and then return by ferry. Of course you can get to the Three Cities by car or bus too. Most buses go through Cospicua, but also pass by Birgu and you can hop off just next to the Malta at War Museum.
