Birgu, Birgu

Where is Birgu?

Birgu sits on a promontory on the southern side of the Grand Harbour, directly across the water from Valletta, in the Southern Harbour District. Together with Senglea (L-Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla) it forms the Three Cities, an interlinked group of fortified towns around the inner harbour.

History of Birgu

When the Order of St John arrived in Malta in 1530, it established its first base at Birgu, using Fort St Angelo as its stronghold. Birgu was at the centre of the Great Siege of 1565, after which it was given the honorific title Città Vittoriosa ("Victorious City"). It remained an important maritime and military centre, later used by the British Royal Navy. The town preserves the Collachio, the area where the knights' auberges were located.

What to see in Birgu

Fort St Angelo — the historic fortress at the tip of Birgu that played a central role in the Great Siege of 1565. Inquisitor's Palace — one of the few surviving inquisitors' palaces, now a national museum. Malta Maritime Museum — housed in the former naval bakery on the waterfront. The Collachio — the historic quarter of the knights' auberges. Birgu (Vittoriosa) Waterfront — a marina and restored warehouses along the harbour.

Transport in Birgu

Birgu is connected by bus to Valletta and the rest of Malta via Malta Public Transport. The Valletta Ferry links the Three Cities directly with the capital across the Grand Harbour, providing a fast alternative to road travel. Roads connect Birgu with Senglea and Cospicua.

Living in Birgu

Birgu is a historic, atmospheric town with a residential character, marina and waterfront dining, generally quieter and more affordable than Valletta across the harbour. Cost and housing assessments should be based on current market data. Housing is dominated by historic townhouses within the fortifications.

Official name

Il-Birgu / Città Vittoriosa

Island

Malta

District

Southern Harbour District

Known for

Fort St Angelo, Three Cities

Transport

Buses, Valletta Ferry