A Day in Malta’s Three Cities

March 16, 2012 47 Comments »

Maltas three cities Senglea

Watch tower protecting the Grand Harbor from Gardjola Gardens in Senglea

If you have something that everyone wants, then you better protect it; especially if it’s the 16th century and you have the Ottoman Empire salivating at getting revenge. The little island of Malta was a strategic point that has attracted a myriad of nations and tyrants through history. Malta has something that everyone wants – a Grand Harbor.

If you had a Grand Harbor and were positioned in the middle of the Mediterranean between Europe and Northern Africa, you’d be popular too. And you’d probably want to protect that harbor – which is exactly what Malta did. They fortified the harbor like no other. They built walls, forts, towers, and rolled in cannons; poised for attack. And there were many attacks.

Three Cities of Malta

Behind these thick impenetrable walls lie functioning cities and towns. Some of the most famous are the towns known as the Three Cities which lie around the Grand Harbor perimeter. They were bustling market centers and safe havens for the citizens in the 1500’s. The 3 towns of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea were enclosed by the massive line of fortification created by the Knights of St John.

Today they are a neighborhood full of homes and families intermixed with historical buildings and fortresses all flanked by an upscale yacht harbor. The area is in a constant state of revitalization as old ship warehouses and fortifications are changed into modern housing with a historical touch. These are the up and coming neighborhoods of Malta and will most likely transform extensively in the next 5 years.

Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa Walk

I suggest you start in the morning and walk around the hilly streets of Senglea going down winding alleys and roads, interacting with the locals, poke your head into churches, stepping into the Band Clubs for a refreshment. Go through Cospicua and then go to Vittoriosa and stroll along the docks and view the massive yachts and grab lunch outside by the water at one of the many new restaurants serving the yachting crowd. Stop by the old men on the corner who are offering boat taxi rides and tours around he harbor for a small price and get a different perspective.  Then stroll up to see the Inquisitors palace or other museums making a day of the slow, simple life in the modern day Three Cities of Malta.

And of course, don’t forget your camera.

three cities malta harbor

The view from Senglea to Vittoriosa across the harbor

Senglea

The up and coming neighborhood of Senglea

door knocker

A Dolphin as a door knocker is good luck

three cities malta church Vittoriosa

Wander through Vittoriosa and find quiet little piazzas

malta boat

The boat taxis/tours on Vittoriosa are a great way to get a new perspective

malta wooden balcony

Victory Square in Vittoriosa has beautiful architecture

yacht harbor malta

Yachts park near Vittoriosa for a nice view of the Three Cities

malta three cities

The Three Cities is filled with numerous churches

malta boat harbor

Dusk falls over the Three Cities and it’s harbor

malta three cities

Senglea’s quiet atmosphere

stairs

The Three Cities are surprisingly hilly


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