The Three Cities

The Three Cities, Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua, cluster on fortified promontories across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, and are in fact older than the capital, the original home of the Knights of St John. Steeped in maritime and military history, with mighty forts, the old dockyards, the Inquisitor's Palace and atmospheric, marina-lined waterfronts, their quiet, authentic, honey-stone lanes offer a glimpse of a more genuine, less touristy old Malta, best reached by traditional water taxi across the harbour.

History

Vittoriosa has been settled since Phoenician times, and when the Order of Saint John arrived in 1530 it became the capital instead of Mdina. After 1565 Vittoriosa and Senglea were given the titles Città Vittoriosa and Città Invicta, Valletta became the capital in 1571, and in 1722 Grand Master Marc'Antonio Zondadari gave Bormla the title Città Cospicua (Wikipedia, Three Cities (Malta)).

What's there

• The waterfronts - the atmospheric harbour marinas and views to Valletta.
• Fort St Angelo - the mighty fort at the heart of the harbour's history.
• The old lanes - the quiet, authentic honey-stone streets.
• The traditional ferry - the water-taxi crossing from Valletta.

When to go

Spring and autumn for the mildest weather; the crossing by traditional dghajsa water taxi from Valletta is a lovely way to arrive, and the waterfronts are especially atmospheric in the evening. They are quieter and less touristy than Valletta.

Things to know

They are less grand and polished than Valletta, with the appeal being the atmosphere, maritime history and authentic, lived-in feel rather than blockbuster sights. Some areas are workaday. The harbour crossing and waterfront dining, and the sense of a more genuine old Malta, are the draw, best combined with a visit to the capital opposite.

Nearby

Valletta is directly across the Grand Harbour; the rest of Malta is close.

Key facts