Do you know that the tiny Mediterranean archipelago is divided into 68 local councils? And they all have their own history and charm. WOW! Yes, Malta has many beautiful cities that combine historic places with old architecture and modern areas with offices of international companies. The island is an exciting mixture of eras, people, and cultures. Some of the most important cities worth visiting that you should include in your trip to Malta are Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua. In this article, you will find the reasons why you should visit them and what to see in the Three Cities of Malta. So, let’s dive into Maltese history and explore this beautiful area.

Read: A guide to exploring Malta 

Quick information about Malta’s towns

On my first visit to Malta, I was surprised by the way the different cities were marked. I was walking on the street from Pieta, and suddenly I saw a sign – Ta’Xbiex – I was already in another town. 

Malta’s cities are too small to be recognized as such. It is a tiny island with a population under one million, and the city status is honorary. On the other side, the number of residents or streets doesn’t determine the villages as well. Instead, the description dates back to a time when parishes defined village borders.

There are 54 towns and villages in Malta and 14 in Gozo. Some are known for their feasts and traditions; others are national architectural gems. In addition, there are also seaside fishing villages and crowded resorts, and inland villages specialized in the harvesting of fruits and vegetables.

Now, let’s look at the map of Malta. You will find a fascinating and full of history part of the island opposite Valletta. These are the Three cities of Malta (Cottonera) – Vittoriosa (Birgu), Cospicua (Bormla), and Senglea (Isla). Despite being less crowded and visited, these cities are proof of history and authentic life with palaces, churches, and bastions older than Valletta’s. The area was the first home to the Knights of St. John because of the importance of the Grand Harbor. The Three Cities played a crucial role through the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. Only six years later, Valletta was built and took the title capital city from Birgu. 

Note: As you notice, all of the Three cities have different names. It is because, during the years, they were renamed or awarded. For example, after the Maltese victory in 1565 during the Great Siege of Malta, the Knights of St. John renamed Birgu to ‘Citta Vittoriosa’ (the victorious city). Likewise, Bormla was awarded the name ‘Citta Cospicua’ (the Conspicuous city) in 1722 by Grand Master Marc’ Antonio Zondadari. And Isla was renamed Senglea after Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, who fortified it before the Great Siege (known as ‘Citta Invicta’ (the invincible city)).

Years ago, during World War II, the Italians and Germans bombed the Grand Harbor and the surrounding areas. So, the Three Cities were seriously destroyed. Today, they are restored and become appealing tourist spots. The narrow streets are tranquil and full of wonderful buildings with the famous Maltese balconies and doors. Stone steps and hidden alleys lead to the water. (I absolutely love walking around this area!) And all this makes the Three Cities the ideal background for Instagram photos!

How to get to the Three Cities

It depends on where you stay in Malta (on foot, by car, public transport, etc.) If you are searching for more information on how to get around Malta, read our detailed article.

By bus to Birgu, Bormla and Isla

You can reach Cottonera by bus taking it from Valletta. The trip takes about 30 minutes with route numbers 1, 2, 3, 4. When you get there, explore the beautiful area on foot so you can dive better into the Three Cities’ atmosphere.

By water taxi to the Three Cities

I love boat trips, and in Malta, I definitely have the chance to use this kind of transport. Traveling by boat from Valletta to the Three Cities will give you a fantastic view of the area around you. And the trip will take only around 10 minutes. 

While walking through the cities, you could see the local boats dghajsa (Maltese gondolas), which you can take from Birgu to Senglea and see the wonderful area from the water.

By car to the Three Cities

It is easy to reach the Three Cities by car if you are good at driving on the left and it will be not so difficult to find a parking place here.

Reasons to Visit Cospicua (Bormla)

Cospicua is the biggest of the Three Cities in Grand Harbor. On the one hand, it is a double-fortified city and an important market center. The city’s waterfront is a base of one of the largest dry-dock and repair facilities in the Mediterranean. On the other hand, the charming alleys surrounded by traditional Maltese houses provide a peaceful atmosphere perfect for walks.

What to see in the Three Cities – Cospicua:

The Parish Church of Immaculate Conception is a 17th-century impressive building famous for its miraculous withstanding of the World War II Bombings. Here you will find a stunning interior with fine works of art, including a gorgeous painting of The Madonna and Child.

City walls and Fortifications – The Firenzuola Fortifications (Santa Margherita lines, 1638) are significant landmarks, together with Cottonera Lines (Valperga Lines, 1670), which surround Cospicua. These walls helped the cities to endure minor damages during the battles of Malta. St. Helen’s Gate (Vilhena Gate) is another historical landmark part of the Santa Margherita lines that you will notice. 

Also, don’t miss the Bir Mula Heritage – a unique museum showing the development of Maltese houses.

Roaming the streets around, I also love taking a short break in the area of the American University of Malta. It is a lovely water spot with some trees, fountains, and benches, where you can find many fishers chatting and waiting to catch something. 

Senglea (Isla) – stunning harbor views across to Valletta

In 1554 the Knights’ Grand Master Claude de la Sengle founded Isla. It is a town where a walk through the streets is a must.

What to see in the Three Cities – Senglea:

When we talk about stunning views of Valletta, Gardjola Gardens in Senglea is one of the best spots that give you such a chance. It is not a big garden, but it is a lovely place to take a break and watch Malta’s capital and Grand Harbor (and the huge cruise ships docked on Valletta’s waterfront). There is an old guard tower built on the tip of the bastions. It has various symbols on it, such as an eye, an ear, and a crane bird, symbolizing the defense of the Maltese shores.

Another sightseeing point worth visiting is the Basilica of the Nativity of Mary (or the Basilica of Our Lady of Victories), built after the Great Siege of 1565. The church is incredible, full of works of art – the most famous is a wooden 17th-century statue of the Virgin Mary (known as Il-Bambina).

Vittoriosa (Birgu) – history and places of interest

Vittoriosa is the oldest of the Three cities and capital from 1530 to 1571. Here you will find the biggest concentration of impressive sights within the Three Cities.

Walking through the town will provide you with a fantastic local experience. Birgu’s square is the heart of the city and a lovely spot to take a coffee break. After that, go to the surrounding streets with traditional architecture – you will notice the colored doors, the iconic balconies, and the old signs still hanging on the walls. 

What to see in the Three Cities – Vittoriosa:

Main points include the Church of St. Lawrence, the Inquisitor’s Palace, Fort St. Angelo, and the Maritime Museum. You can check Malta Heritage sites here.

The first Birgu fortifications dated back to the 16th century and were rebuilt later. Birgu had four gates built in the Baroque style during the 18th century, but only three survived. These are Couvre Porte Gate, the Advanced Gate, and the Gate of Provence – made of limestone and interesting engraved and inscribed in Latin. Porta Marina was destroyed in an explosion in 1806. The Notre Dame Gate (1675) is the main gate of the second line of defense, situated on the highest point of the Cottonera Lines. It was used for signals between Valletta and the coastal defenses.

At the tip of Birgu, with a significant position overlooking the Grand Harbor, you will find Fort St. Angelo – one of the oldest fortifications on the island. It was the headquarter of the French Army during French rule.

One of Malta’s largest and oldest churches with outstanding Baroque architecture is the Church of St. Lawrence, built in the 17th century and features several paintings from different eras. It is imposing and worth visiting.

Continue walking, and you will see Malta Maritime Museum – located near Freedom Square at the beginning of the marina. If you are interested in the maritime history of Malta, this place is for you. 

History lovers will also appreciate the Inquisitor’s Palace – an excellent piece of architecture built by the Knights in the 1530s. It was home to the Inquisitors of the Roman Catholic Church, where you will find prison cells, tribunal rooms, private quarters, and more.

The medieval heart of the old city reserved for the use of the Knights of St. John, where they lived and built their Auberges, is the Collachio. It provides an exciting walk through the ages.

Vittoriosa’s marina is a wonderful spot to spend some time. Walk along the promenade or stop for a bite at one of the restaurants and cafes here. You will have stunning views of the sea and the luxury yachts around.

Where to eat in the Three Cities

The Three Cities area is developing and attracting the tourism industry. As a result, you will find small hotels, restaurants, and bars along the narrow winding streets. We love eating near the sea, and the Three Cities offer many quality restaurants. Cheaper places you can find around the AUM, Senglea Waterfront, and Birgu backstreets. 

You could visit some of our recommendations:

–Don Berto – located at the waterfront at Vittoriosa, offering excellent food with fantastic views of the sunsets and the expensive yachts in front of you. Great value.

– Hammett’s Macina Restaurant is a good dining option. We like that you and your friends can share the plates and taste the flavors together.

–Il-Hnejja – is a family restaurant at the seafront, specializing in fresh seafood. Tasty food with friendly service and fantastic view – what more do you want?

Organized tours to the Three Cities

Of course, if you don’t like exploring new destinations on your own, there are organized tours that can show you all the main sightseeing points in the Three Cities. Check some of them:

–Explore Malta’s Three Cities and tour the Marsovin Cellars to taste Maltese wine.

– See Malta’s historic cities and forts with a cruise in a traditional Maltese boat while traveling the Grand & Marsamxett Harbors

– and many more around Valletta.

When we visited the Three cities for the first time, we tried to make the most of our time there and see as much as possible. We definitely weren’t disappointed about our decision to head to the Three cities.

Have you visited them already or would you like to? Share below. 

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