Birgu (Vittoriosa)
Birgu, 1010
Across the Grand Harbour from the capital of Valletta, Birgu (Vittoriosa) is, alongside neighboring Senglea and Cospicua, one of Malta’s Three Cities: inhabited since Phoenician times, and considered the foundation of Maltese history. Birgu is celebrated for its waterfront views and for its top landmark, the 16th-century Fort St. Angelo.
The basics
Less than 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) long and 0.25 miles (0.4 kilometers) wide, and located on a small promontory that extends into Malta’s Grand Harbour, the fortified city of Birgu has been associated with maritime history since the times of ancient Phoenicia. Crowned by Fort St. Angelo, the city was also where the Knights of St. John arrived in 1530, and played an important role in the 1565 Siege of Malta. Today, Birgu boasts a number of major sights in addition to its fort, including the 16th-century Inquisitor’s Palace, the Malta at War Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the 16th-century Church of St. Lawrence.
Birgu’s proximity to Valletta makes it easy to visit independently. The city is also included on a number of sightseeing itineraries, including Three Cities walking tours and Grand Harbour cruises.
Things to know before you go
For one of the best ways to experience Birgu, go for a walk along its waterfronts; walking paths encircle the promontory.
To discover Birgu’s social hub, head to the centrally located Victory Square, and relax at one of the cafés.
Birgu has many scenic alleys, but due to their uneven surfaces and narrow walkways, they can be inaccessible to wheelchair users.
How to get there
Birgu is located on Malta’s Grand Harbour, right across from Valletta. It’s about a 20-minute drive between the two cities via Route 6. If using public transportation, bus lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 connect them. It’s also possible to travel by ferry or by water taxi to the waterfront city.
When to get there
Summer is the high season in Malta, and when Birgu is likely to be at its most crowded. To enjoy good weather but experience fewer crowds, consider coming during the shoulder seasons instead. It’s also worth visiting in February, when huge Carnival festivities take over Valletta, or to see Birgu during its grand Easter processions and events.
Fort St. Angelo
No visit to Birgu is complete without exploring its big-ticket sight, Fort St. Angelo. Having played important roles in the Siege of Malta and in World War II, the centuries-old landmark offers top-notch views overlooking the harbor—and visitors can learn more about its history from its multimedia exhibits.
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