The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua) are the cradle of Malta's maritime history. Birgu (Vittoriosa) was the knights' first seat. Senglea (L-Isla) is famous for the Gardjola Gardens with the stone watchful eye.
The Three Cities — Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (L-Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla) — lie on the south side of the Grand Harbour, facing Valletta. It was here in 1530 that the Knights of Malta first settled on the island, before building Valletta. Birgu ("Vittoriosa", meaning "victorious") earned its name after surviving the Great Siege of 1565.
All three cities are enclosed by the massive Cottonera Lines fortification system, built in the 1670s-1680s. It is one of Europe's largest defensive systems, designed to protect the dockyards and harbours. The walls extend over 4 kilometres in length.
Unlike touristy Valletta, the Three Cities retain an authentic, everyday character. Narrow streets, balconies, parish churches, fishermen mending nets. The water taxi from Valletta costs EUR 2 and gives a beautiful view of both sides of the harbour. In Birgu, visit the Maritime Museum and Fort St. Angelo; in Senglea, the Gardjola Gardens with the iconic turret featuring a carved watchful eye.
Practical tip: The water taxi from Valletta (dock below the Barrakka Lift) is the best way to get there. Allow 3-4 hours for a relaxed visit. Birgu has several excellent restaurants with Valletta views, cheaper than across the harbour.
What are the Three Cities?
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Take the water taxi from Valletta (EUR 2) — best way to get there. Start from Birgu.
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Fort St. Angelo in Birgu has been Malta's defensive heart since medieval times. Seat of the Grand Master before Valletta was built. During the Great Siege of 1565, the entire defence was commanded from here.
The Auberge de France in Birgu — seat of the Order's most powerful langue, from the era when Birgu (not Valletta) was the Knights' capital. A quiet witness to the age before the Great Siege.
Malta Maritime Museum is a historic stop from the Malta Wakacje plan, added to Maltazar with GPS coordinates and practical route context.