The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua) — Cottonera

What are the Three Cities?

The Three Cities are Birgu (also called Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla), three closely linked fortified towns on the south side of the Grand Harbour, opposite Valletta. Together they are sometimes called the Cottonera, after the great ring of fortifications that encloses them.

Where are the Three Cities?

They occupy the promontories and inlets on the south-eastern shore of the Grand Harbour, a short ferry ride or drive from Valletta.

History of the Three Cities

When the Order of St John arrived in Malta in 1530, it settled first at Birgu, which became its base and the seat of its power. From here the Knights and the Maltese withstood the Great Siege of 1565, with Fort St Angelo in Birgu and the defences of Senglea bearing the brunt of the Ottoman assault. After the siege the Order built the new city of Valletta and moved its seat there, but the Three Cities remained vital naval and shipbuilding centres, a role they kept through the British period. They suffered heavy bombing in the Second World War because of the dockyards.

What to see in the Three Cities

• Fort St Angelo, the great fortress at the tip of Birgu.
• The Inquisitor's Palace and the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu.
• The waterfront and yacht marina at Birgu.
• The Senglea (Gardjola) garden point, with its carved watch-post overlooking the harbour.
• Narrow historic streets, churches and bastions throughout.

Significance

The Three Cities are where the story of the Order in Malta began, and where the Great Siege of 1565 was decided. Less crowded than Valletta, they offer an exceptionally rich and atmospheric experience of Malta's harbour history.

Visiting the Three Cities

The towns are open to wander freely. A traditional ferry and the longer harbour cruises connect them with Valletta. Individual attractions such as the museums and Fort St Angelo have their own opening hours and tickets, so check these before visiting.