A Day in Malta’s Three Cities
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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.
Unofficially adding Malta to the RTW trip itinerary. Those pics are beautiful!
Its a great stop for rtw!!
Wonderful.
It looks absolutely beautiful. Great pictures too. Can you walk between the towns?
Yes you can walk btwn towns but I must admit I had a ride! Or you can start in vittriosa and then take a water taxi to senglea!
Yes you can walk around and its only 5 minutes from one City to another and you can also take a water taxi to the city of VALLETTA
What historic gems. I love the honeycomb coloured brick and sense of something interesting around every corner.
Yes you never knew what wonderful architecture was around each corner! I hope you make it there one day!
Malta has long been on my wishlist, but this makes me want to head to the airport.
Of the many places I’d love to visit, Malta is another. Absolutely stunning and so rich in history. Would love to visit one day. Some day soon. 🙂
Beautiful photos! They make me want to visit right now. Loving your blog Sherry, keep up the great work!
Thanks Leigh! Great to hear from you!
Thanks Leigh! I hope you are doing well – still housesitting?
Hi there
Comming August I go visit Malta for a week, and after seeing your photo s I am afraid I can not see it all.
But also I hope it will be august verry soon.
Last two years I was on the Azores on Holiday and someone said to me you will like Malta also.
And I have a feeling she will be right.
Keep up the good and great work you are doing
Some great pics Sherry. Thanks for sharing.
We had a great afternoon walking through the waterfront in Senglea: great local scenes and wonderful views! And we were surprised by the great atmosphere of Vittoriosa, Il Colacchio is a gem and there were no tourists, only locals enjoying the beggining of the night in the main square. Great tips, Sherry!
A short, two-day visit a couple of Decembers ago but Malta became one of only a few of my most favorite places in the world. Enjoyed your images!
Hi, lovely photos. But can I just point out that the photo captioned “The Three Cities is filled with numerous churches” is actually a shot of the 19th century Naval Bakery on the Vittoriosa waterfront. It was built by the British and now houses the Maritime Museum. More info here: http://www.victorianweb.org/art/architecture/scamp/2.html
Amazin post, cool article.
Keep it up!
Really liked it.
Wish there are more to read…
I first went to Malta in the sixties married a Maltese girl, lived on the island for a couple of years and visited on numerous occasions, yet never visited the three cities that is until last month. I spent three weeks in Malta and most of that time in and around Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea and what fantastic place’s they are. I’m now going through hundreds of photographs trying to sort the not so bad from the not so good. I only wish mine were half as good as yours which are a true inspiration.
First of all I must congratulate Sherry for such wonderful photos. Secondly, as I am a native (!) of Malta I have to say that Vittoriosa (name give to the town by the Knights of Malta after the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 – it is commonly known as BIRGU) is also rich in history and as someone else noted there is something new round every corner. Actually in those times there were two cities on Malta of some renown i.e. Mdina to the North of the Island and BIRGU which dominated the entrance to the Great Harbour. I recommend to everyone do not think twice and come to visit Birgu and of course the rest of Malta and Gozo. Of special interest there are temples on both Malta and Gozo dating back to over 5000 years ago.
There is only one Malta & its a beautiful one !! Great pics.
The main island of Malta is only approx. 30km across so many things are within walking distance of each other- the beaches are stunning.
These cities are part of the heart of UNESCO culture
I’ve been to Malta several times, my mother’s birthplace. I will visit again in September and these three cities are definately on my bucket list. To my surprise, my cousin who has lived in Malta all his life told me he hasn’t visited all three cities. Born in the US I have visited all 50 states!
That’s common. As a 1st generation American born to Maltese emigrants, also, I find that I’ve been to more places in Malta during my vacations there, than some of my cousins who’ve lived there their whole lives. I always get a kick when they say they can’t go somewhere because “it’s too far.” My daily commute is the distance of going from Malta to Sicily! LOL
I spent half my life in Malta, but have not been there for many years now. Australia is a little bit far!! I cannot but agree that Malta is a very interesting place, with many gems to explore, both historically and archeologically, and the sun and the water only add to the charm. No problem getting around either, what with public transport working late and costing peanuts, and most people there speaking English, it does make for a great holiday.
But as one who knows the island, can I warn you, that walking from town to town is ok is you like long distance hiking, but otherwise, take a bus!!
I doubt if there is any other place on Earth the size of malta with such a rich history stretching more than 5,000 years.
The three cities are the cradle of Malta’s history especially since the 12th century. The harbour has seenthe fleets of all the nations and empires which dominated the Mediterranaen from the Phoenicians to the British. Comre and visit us. You are all most welcome.
Hi Sherry..well done for starting this blog! And great photography.As John above commented, many Maltese actually have never been to the Three Cities because it has, since post-WW2 been considered uncultured which is hugely ironic. Their loss anyhow as the growing number of tourists discovering the area can confirm. Its stunning. Unfortunately Cospicua the biggest the 3 Cities remains under-developed but still it has many interesting historic sites. But that will change when the Dock one embellishment project is completed. I settled in Cospicua 5 yrs ago and have since set up a thriving art studio on Pilgrimage Street next to the fabulous Immaculate Conception church where I sell original art and prints of the 3 Cities. Do stop by next time you’re in town!
On, the other hand, if you are going to sample the local deserts and pastries, it is a great way to keep you in shape!
Great job Sherry. Keep it up.Wonderful pictures hi. I was born in Malta, now living in NY.The three cities are wonderful especially Birgu. I been there last year. The people are very friendly. So you who never been to Malta, try and make it to visit. and you won;t be sorry.
A very interesting article. I am myself the councillor responsible for tourism in Senglea, and I do believe that we have a lot to offer. Residents also enjoy seeing tourists admiring our interesting streets and quiet atmosphere.
Thanks for the nice pictures of our city :). Feel free to contact me if you visit us again in the future. I provided my e-mail.
Love your clear, vivid photos Sherry.
My homeland, but live in Australia. I still dream of retiring in Malta.
Beautiful country.
Beautiful place! Was born in Malta, moved to Australia and now live in New Zealnad. Have travelled to many countries and there is not one place quite like Malta! Definetly worth the visit!!!
First 17 years of my life in Senglea, 40 years in Toronto, love them both, but when those wheels hit that tarmac, I feel a surge of emotions like no other and somewhere from the depths of my being, a tiny little voice whispers … home. I think most of those born on this little gem of an island, who were old enough prior to leaving it, would agree that we may be off the island but we can never get the island out of our hearts and minds. If anything, it just makes the heart grow fonder and the memories more precious. Thanks for bringing it home that I must return sometime soon.
P.S. I read the Sword and the Scimitar – David Ball, and it really gave me a fantastic view into a way of life in the days of the knights of Malta and how it may have been when they were building my home town of Senglea (Fort St. Michael. Part fiction/part historical events. Worth a read. The island is worthy of being on anyone’s bucket list. A Canadian friend of mine vacationed there with her husband. They came back and said, their expectations were high and Malta exceeded their expectations!
I remember hearing about that book when I was in Malta – a good recommendation! There’s no place like home is there?!
HI All, The Three Cities comprise Bormla too, known also as Cospicua. It’s the largest and double fortified with a lot of heritage to discover: a social history museum Bir Mula Heritage; magnificent churches, 6km of baroque fortifications, Fort Verdala, mediaeval pedestrian areas, the old dockyards, festivals, socio-religious events, artists and artisans, friendly people … not to be missed and many fell in love with it too!
I believe that Cospicua is one of the 3 cities, so why there is no single photo of our city?
Yes – another reader just mentioned that too. I was there over a year ago – so I don’t remember if I went to Cospicua/Bormla or not. But I took photos of everywhere I went – so I would assume that I might not have stopped there! Next time for sure!
Hi I just saw your interesting website,but I`m disappointed that you did`nt mention Cospicua!!!Cospicua is one of the three cities and a very nice place to be.Thanks
JOHN DEGIORGIO [SMOKEY] HI SHERRY ENJOYED LOOKING AT THE PHOTOS OF THE TREE CITIES MORE SO THE ONE WITH THE RED DOOR AND THE [PERSINA] . THAT HOUSE USED TO BELONG TO MY GRAND MOTHER THERESA BETTER KNOWN US IL-BOMBARA HER SON IS MICHAEL DEGIORGIO BETTER KNOWN US IL-VAVETT AND HE IS STILL IN GOOD HEALTH AT THE AGE OF97.GOD BLESS HIM.SOMETHING I LIKED TO SHARE WITH YOUR READES
Malta are the last Paradise in the EU.I am shore And now i live in Paradise since 2008 Malta and Gozo are beautiful The Sun the Sea and the peoples are fantastic
J.H.
and don’t forget the great tax dodging opportunities there.
If you want to really see all in the three cities, you have to take the electric cars of the Rolling Geeks. It are cars that talk and they bring you on a tour of 18km. A tour of the Three cities, Kalkara and Smart city. On foot to visit all is nearly impossible.
Check it out, its fun and comfortable.
This is an article about the Three Cities of Bormla (Cospicua), Isla (Senglea) and Birgu (Vittoriosa),and yet while exhaustive information was provided for Senglea and Vittoriosa the only time you mentioned Cospicua is as follows: “Go through Cospicua” which is a real shame.
Cospicua is the battleground of the Great Siege 1565, where the Ottoman Turks had their command post. It is also the place where they surrendered. This is a city defended by a double line of fortifications; the Firenzuola and the Cottonera lines.
The Fort Verdala which lies at the centre of Cospicua and overlooks the famous Royal Dockyard, is the place where the crew of the famous German WW1 ship SMS Emden together with the famous Karl Donitz and other famous Germans were held prisoners. It is also the place where the political Turksinvolved in the Armenian genocide were held prisoners.
A place with such a rich history,merited a proper mention. it’s a shame you missed such an opportunity.
If you should ever visit Malta again, do not hesitate to contact me; I’ll take you around Cospicua.
Thanks for your offer of showing me around. I seldom have enough time in a place to cover everything – but it helps having a local to go around with!