10 Things to do in Birgu (Vittoriosa) That You Shouldn't Miss

The Malta at War Museum is located at the original historic entrance of Vittoriosa (Birgu), the older from the Three Cities. It stands to document for posterity the great ordeal which the brave people of Malta and their defenders endured during the dark days of the Blitz (1940-43). Vittoriosa (Birgu) is the former home to the Royal Navy in the Malta and one of the most bombed places in WW2. This museum combines an attractive exhibition about the Second World War in Malta along with the viewing of an original wartime documentary – ‘Malta G.C.’ and a visit into an underground air raid shelter in which hundreds took refuge during the raids.This attraction has recently undergone a complete remake co-funded by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund (72.25%), the Government of Malta (12.75%) and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna. The result is a new attractive museum spread on nine galleries. Each of these is dedicated to a given aspect of wartime Malta. The museum display is organised in a chronological manner and includes some 10,000 original artefacts connected with the subject. These vary from clothing, weapons, instruments, equipment, printed matter and other large exhibits.The new Malta at War Museum is open daily for visiting between 10.00 and 17.00hrs.

During the past thousand years, whoever gained control of Fort St Angelo could effectively rule the Maltese Islands. Strategically located on a hillock, at the end of the Birgu peninsula, the fort dominates the Grand Harbour. During the Second World War, Fort St Angelo offered protection against Axis air raids and suffered 69 direct hits. After the war, the fort continued to serve as the headquarters of the Royal Navy in Malta, until the last detachment of foreign forces departed Fort St Angelo in March 1979. Fort St Angelo offers spectacular panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and its surrounding fortified towns. Through traditional and innovative immersive displays, visitors can experience the colourful history and various architectural styles of this fort, together with staggering examples of artillery.

The Inquisitor's Palace, situated in the heart of Vittoriosa, is one of the very few surviving palaces of its kind which, in the early modern period could be found all over Europe and South America. Many of these palaces simply succumbed to the ravages of time or were victims of the anti-reactionary power unleashed by the French Revolution. Fortunately, the Maltese Inquisitor's Palace, throughout its five centuries of history, always hosted high-ranking officials representing the main powers on the island, who therefore ensured its survival.

Housed within the Old Naval bakery, the Malta Maritime Museum charts Malta's maritime history and lore within a Mediterranean context. It also illustrates the global nature of seafaring and its impact on Malta's society. The museum houses numerous artefacts highlighting the different epochs of Malta's history that is inadvertently tied to the sea.The museum is proud to showcase some unique artefacts including the largest known roman anchor in the world, the earliest known ex:voto on the island, the largest ship model belonging to the Order of St John, the largest collection of cannons on the island, the Napoleonic figure head of the 110 gun ship HMS Hibernia, a 1950's working marine steam engine, and a collection of 60+ boats.

Notre Dame Gate is a grand baroque military gate built into the 17th century Cottonera Lines to protect the Three Historic Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. It is of monumental proportions being built on five levels. From its roof one can observe a good part of the island including Valletta and the whole of Cottonera. Over the centuries it has served as the main gate for the region, a military barracks, a gun powder magazine, a chapel, an air raid refuge and throughout World War One during and after the Gallipoli Campaign an extension to the nearby Cottonera Military Hospital. This gate now houses the headquarters of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna - the Malta Heritage Trust. It is available for visiting once a week as part of a guided tour every Wednesday starting at 10am. This tour also includes a visit to the former Cottonera Military Hospital and parts of the Cottonera Lines.