Upper Barrakka Gardens

The finest view in Malta

Upper Barrakka Gardens is a terraced garden atop the St. Peter and St. Paul bastions in Valletta, 58 metres above sea level. From here, a panorama unfolds across the entire Grand Harbour, the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua), Fort St. Angelo, and the dry dock. Many consider this the finest view in the entire Mediterranean basin.

A private garden for knights

The gardens were created in 1661 at the initiative of the Italian knight Fra Flaminio Balbiani. Initially they served as a private recreation area for the Langue d'Italie, one of the eight "tongues" of the Order of St. John. The arcaded loggia that still forms the characteristic colonnade dates from this period. Only in 1824 did the British open the gardens to the public.

The noon gun

On the terrace below the gardens stands the Saluting Battery, with eight period cannons. Every day at noon (and historically also at 4 PM), a cannon fires a salute, a tradition dating back to the knights, who signalled midday for the ships' chronometers in the harbour. Today it is one of Valletta's most popular attractions, drawing crowds of visitors.

Practical tip: Arrive 10 minutes before noon to secure a spot at the balustrade. After the salute, descend to the lower Saluting Battery terrace (EUR 3 entry) to see the cannons up close.