Birgu (Vittoriosa) — the Knights of Malta's first capital, defenders of the Great Siege of 1565. The best-preserved historic town with a waterfront unchanged since the Order's time.
When the Knights of Malta arrived in 1530, Valletta did not yet exist — it would not be built for another 35 years. Their first capital was Birgu, a small town on a peninsula jutting into Grand Harbour. It was here, in narrow streets above the natural harbour, that the Order established its first headquarters: auberges, a hospital, a conventual church, and the Grand Master's palace.
In 1565, an Ottoman army of over 30,000 soldiers attacked Malta. For four months, a few hundred knights and Maltese defenders held Birgu and neighbouring Senglea against relentless assaults. The town was bombarded, mined, and attacked from the sea. When the siege finally ended in victory for the defenders, Birgu earned the title Vittoriosa — the Victorious City.
Today Birgu is one of Malta's best-preserved historic towns. The streets are so narrow that two people can barely pass each other. Colourful gallariji (wooden balconies) hang from house façades, and every few steps a plaque bears the name of a knight who once lived there. The harbour from which the Knights set out on naval patrols is now a yacht marina — but the stone quay is the same.
Practical tip: Take a dghajsa boat from Valletta (EUR 2) instead of a bus — the same ferry the knights once used to cross Grand Harbour. Departs from below Upper Barrakka.
Take a dghajsa boat from Valletta (2 EUR) instead of a bus — the same ferry as prowadzący.
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The Auberge d'Angleterre in Birgu — residence of the Order's English knights, one of the oldest auberges in Malta. The English langue collapsed when Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church.
St. Lawrence Church (from 1530) — the Knights' first conventual chapel in Malta, with a Mattia Preti painting and knightly tombstones. As beautiful as the Co-Cathedral, but without the crowds.
The Inquisitor's Palace (from 1574) — the world's only inquisition palace open to visitors. Tribunal hall and prison cells with graffiti carved by prisoners. Two inquisitors later became popes.