Also known as Vittoriosa, the port city of Birgu, Malta is packed with charm. Situated on the Grand Harbour, this city has a lot to offer to every curious traveler; from an authentic ambiance to stunning views, along with beautiful buildings that are steeped in amazing history. If you don’t like crowded attractions, Birgu is an excellent place to visit. Tourists often overlook this old fortified city because Valletta, Mdina, and other historic sites in Malta often surpass it in terms of popularity.
However, if you are interested in delving deeper into the colorful past of Malta, while you explore the quiet alleys that are lined with gorgeous houses, then spending a day in Birgu is a must. Some of the top places to check out for an amazing time in this city are:
1- Wander around Fort St. Angelo
Situated at the heart of Grand Harbour, Fort St. Angelo is regarded as the star attraction in Birgu. Originally a medieval castle, this bastion fort was rebuilt during the 1500s by the Order of Saint John. During the Great Siege of Malta that occurred in 1565, Fort St. Angelo played a very important role. It was also important in the Second World War when the Grand Harbour became the most heavily bombed place in the country. Today, visitors can enjoy an immersive experience through the history of Malta when they visit Fort St. Angelo, as it highlights the strategic importance of the Grand Harbour and the fort over the centuries. You can also see some marvelous views of the Grand Harbour from here.
2- Check out the Inquisitor’s Palace
The Inquisitor’s Palace is another must-see attraction in Birgu. Originally, this building had been constructed for the Order of St. John and was meant to be the Civil Law Courts. In 1574, when the Roman Inquisition was established in the country, the palace was converted into a private residence and prison complex of the inquisitor. It served as a military hospital during British rule. The Inquisitor’s Palace has a dark past, due to which it is regarded as one of the most haunted places in Malta.
When you visit it now, it will take you through the history of the Roman Inquisition. You get the chance to admire some of the palace’s beautiful architectural features and also visit the room that was the private chambers of the inquisitor. There is also the tribunal channel and the private chapel of the inquisitor. If you have the courage, you can also take a look at the torture chambers and go into the small prison cells where you can see the etchings made by the prisoners. There is also the Museum of Ethnography within the Inquisitor’s Palace.
3- Look at the old gates
Since Birgu is a fortified city, a rock-hewn ditch and large defensive walls surround it, the former of which has recently been made into a garden. Originally, the city had four gates and three of them are still intact. Every gate was built in the 18th century in Baroque style. Limestone has been used to make the Advanced Gate, the Couvre Porte Gate, and the Gate of Provence and they feature Latin inscriptions and interesting engravings.
4- Venture into the Malta Maritime Museum
The Malta Maritime Museum can be found on the former Royal Navy Bakery and it sheds light on the island’s naval history, starting from prehistoric times till today. This is around 7,000 years of history, which is done through 20,000 artifacts, making it the largest museum in Malta. There are a number of interesting artifacts that you can find here, including the world’s largest known Roman anchor, the figurehead of HMS Hibernia, which is a Napoleonic gunship, and a marine steam engine from the 1950s.
5- Explore the quaint alleys in Birgu
There is a maze of valleys in the heart of Birgu that have traditional Maltese houses. Those who love taking photographs will come across different photo opportunities while they explore these streets – windows and walls lined with flower pots, colorful balconies, and the occasional stray cat. When Malta was other than the rule of the Knights of St. John, Birgu saw several auberges built, each representing the Order’s langue or linguistic division. These auberges were Baroque palaces that were used headquarters and have managed to survive.
When you are exploring the quaint alleys in Birgu, you will certainly come across the Auberge de France and Auberge d’Angleterre, the former serving as a town hall and the latter being used as a local health center.
6- Take a walk along the seafront
Going for a walk along the seafront is one of the best things you can do in Birgu. Walking along the entire perimeter will show you two different sides; the more authentic part of Birgu with local fishermen and traditional boats sitting along the shore and the world-class marina boasting luxurious and large yachts. Start walking from the Birgu Waterfront and you will come across an alley on the right near Fort St. Angelo, which leads to the other side of the city. You will be able to see some beautiful views of Kalkara, the neighboring town, and the area on this side is known as il-Mandragg.
7- Tour the churches
Like in other places in Malta, you will find several churches in Birgu as well, each of which has its own charm and story. One of the oldest and largest churches in Malta is the church of St. Lawrence. It was built in the late 1600s and is known for its spectacular Baroque architecture. You will come across paintings of different areas. There is also a museum in the church.
Right next to St. Lawrence, you will find two other churches. The first is the Oratory of St. Joseph and the second is named the Oratory of the Holy Cross. Some of the other churches that you will find in the area include the Annunciation Church, St. Philip Church, and the Church of St. Anne.
It may be a small city, but Birgu has lots to offer in terms of sights to see and you will have a fun time here.
