The Knights' first seat in Malta, older than Valletta. prowadzący walks the empty streets and admires the natural harbor — one of the most beautiful in Europe.
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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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Seat of the English Langue of the Order in Birgu — one of the oldest auberges in Malta.
First conventual chapel of the Order in Malta (1530). Interior full of knightly coats of arms and works by Mattia Preti.
Seat of the Maltese Inquisition from 1574 to 1798. The only Inquisitor's Palace in the world open to the public.