What to do and see in Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta: The Best Places and Tips

February 11, 2018 Toi Mattera

Discover the best top things to do in Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta including Malta at War Museum, Fort St Angelo, Malta Maritime Museum, Inquisitor's Palace, St. Lawrence's Church, The Norman House, Parish Church Museum, Notre Dame Gate, Oratory of St. Joseph, Auberge de France in Vittoriosa - Birgu.
Restaurants in Birgu (Vittoriosa)

1. Malta at War Museum

Couvre de Porte, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta BRG 1810, Malta +356 2189 6617
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 528 reviews

Malta at War Museum

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.

Reviewed By arfonwilliams2571 - Pontypridd, United Kingdom

One of the places to visit was the Malta at War Museum, when you get to the museum it is like a fortress big bold and empowering, the museum inside was compact with all the items of war you could expect even some you would not, Please go and have a look at the air raid shelter under the museum you feel you could get lost it is an experience in it self. To get to the Museum from Valletta take the number 2 or 3 Bus to stopping outside Couvre Porte Gate Vittoriosa (ask the Driver to let you know the drop of point) open Mon - Sun 10.00-17.00.
A MUST FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN WAR.

2. Fort St Angelo

Birgu Waterfront, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta, Malta +356 2295 4000
Excellent
49%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 262 reviews

Fort St Angelo

Reviewed By geoffviking - St Helens, United Kingdom

You will need an hour and a half to do it comfortably. There are 3 excellent audio visual presentations telling the history of Malta and the significance of the Fort in that history. extended by the British during their invited occupation 1800 to 1979. There ar a number of levels to visit. I found it very interesting. I would say this is a must do along with the Maritime Museum

3. Malta Maritime Museum

Ex-Naval Bakery | Vittoriosa Waterfront, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta, Malta +356 2166 0052
Excellent
42%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 297 reviews

Malta Maritime Museum

OPEN MONDAY - SUNDAY from 09.00 Till 17.00Hrs (last admission at 16.30Hrs). 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.

Reviewed By Schadla-Hall T - London, United Kingdom

Ive been before- get the ferry from Valletta to Vittoriosa- Birgu- the building is worth inspection as a naval bakery! -and the cannon collection outside is worth a close look- the inside is monumental - and the displays about both the Knights of St John - their own Navy as well as the material on the Royal Navy is worth close examnation- and there is an excellent tatoo exhibition!

4. Inquisitor's Palace

Main Gate Street, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta, Malta +356 2182 7006
Excellent
26%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 383 reviews

Inquisitor's Palace

OPEN MONDAY - SUNDAY from 09.00 Till 17.00Hrs (last admission at 16.30Hrs). 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.

Reviewed By Ian S - Rabat, Malta

I went to this palace as part of an event that was jointly staged with Heritage Malta. The event per se was very interesting and even though we did not have the possibility to visit the whole palace, the information that was given about it was definitely fascinating and is worth another visit. For anyone who want to know about Malta's past and culture this place is a must.

5. St. Lawrence's Church

Triq San Lawrenz, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta, Malta
Excellent
45%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

St. Lawrence's Church

Reviewed By TheShis - Tel Aviv, Israel

This is a beautiful church, located in the tiny municipality of Birgu. The church is very close to the sea and port and as it's very ornate inside, it's well worth the visit. Don't miss the beautiful ceiling of the church.

6. The Norman House

North Street, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta, Malta
Excellent
57%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

The Norman House

Reviewed By KSH15 - Seattle, Washington

This was a happy accidental find while wandering the streets of Birgu. There aren't a whole lot of other major attractions in Birgu, so you might as well plan to wander by it as well!

7. Parish Church Museum

Victory Square, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta, Malta
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Parish Church Museum

Reviewed By MasterAl - Giessen, Germany

This small museum didn't cost any entrance fees, but the gentleman in the museum was more than willing to explain anything and answer all questions - I was then more than willing to provide a donation! A particular highlight is the hat and sword of La Valltette on display!

8. Notre Dame Gate

St. Edward Street, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta BRG9038, Malta +356 2180 0992
Excellent
30%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 20 reviews

Notre Dame Gate

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.

Reviewed By Darnel-HDI - Jakarta, Indonesia

This is the gate to enter the old city Birgu [one of the Three Cities]. It is beautiful and impressive monument. Good spot to take picture.

9. Oratory of St. Joseph

Triq Desain | In the aquare, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta, Malta
Excellent
33%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 9 reviews

Oratory of St. Joseph

Reviewed By Jurgen B - Brussels, Belgium

Free of charge, quirky, dusty, collection of often "normal" objects, but some are interesting, and although the old man insisted on listening to stories about every single object, and was clearly disappointed when I got rid of him, I enjoyed it. Especially because of the stories and the information he gave.

10. Auberge de France in Vittoriosa - Birgu

Triq Hilda Tabone 24-27, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta, Malta
Excellent
14%
Good
72%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 7 reviews

Auberge de France in Vittoriosa - Birgu

Reviewed By Philip H - Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta

The Auberge de France is the best preserved of the original 8 auberges of the Knights Hospitaller (the original headquarters were built in Birgu - the 7 larger auberges in Valletta came later, after the Great Siege). Those fortunate enough to see the interior of the Auberge de France can see some exceptional examples of 16th Century architecture. Today, this building is the home of the Birgu Local Council, which runs its office functions from there. Sometimes there are opportunities to see the internal rooms and cellars - but not always.

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