The Three Cities
One of Malta's historic jewels is the Three Cities: Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua. Discover who built them and why they played such an important defensive role throughout history.
The history of Malta cannot be fully understood without taking into account the importance of Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua, often nicknamed "Malta's Three Cities". This area known as the Cottonera has served as a refuge, defensive bastion and home for the many different groups of people who have conquered Malta throughout its history.
The Knights of the Order of Malta were responsible for the construction of these 3 historic cities and their marks remain today in the many 16th-century buildings that are still standing throughout the Three Cities.
Senglea
This small city on the Mediterranean shoreline has been known for its constant beauty despite suffering major bombardments during the Second World War. The main attraction in Senglea is Fort Saint Michael, built by the Knights of the Order of Malta in the middle of the 16th century.
From this imposing fortification, you'll have some amazing views of Valletta, Senglea harbour and the neighbouring city of Vittoriosa. The watchtower at Fort Saint Michael is famous for its eyes and ears carved into its sides, which symbolise the continuous protection of the city by the knights: with their eyes and ears always open.
The centre of Senglea is an entanglement of streets with colourful balconies, statues of saints at every corner and flower pots at each door.
Vittoriosa
The most charming city in the Cottonera is Vittoriosa, known by the Maltese people as Birgu. Due to its excellent location just next to the sea, the knights named it the capital of Malta up until the year 1565, when the torch was passed to Valletta.
That year, the Great Siege of Malta took place, an episode which united the Knights of the Order and the local populations to slow the Ottoman advance. Vittoriosa's main bastion is Fort St. Angelo, which is important in understanding the former military importance of the city.
Vittoriosa's architecture remains largely intact and nowadays it's possible to imagine how the Hospitaller Knights once lived here, alongside the Castilian nobility. The most significant building in its old town is the Inquisitor's Palace, an old jail.
Cospicua
Cospicua is the "newest" and biggest of Malta's Three Cities. It's home to several bastions and defensive locations, built by the Knights of the Order of Malta. Although it has lost some of its historical essence, many of its important buildings remain intact, such as the the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which is home to some very valuable paintings.
Walking through the steep, winding streets, you'll eventually come to the highest point in Cospicua where you'll have some amazing views of the Grand Harbour.
How to get to Malta's Three Cities
If you want to visit Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua at your own pace, the best option is to take public transport to get to Senglea and start walking from there. Bus line 1 will take you to Senglea in less than a half hour.
If you'd prefer, you can also take a tour with an English-speaking guide, which also includes transport. For this, book the following Three Cities Tour.
