Birgu, Malta: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Visiting Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, offers a truly authentic Maltese experience filled with charm, atmosphere, and waterfront beauty. Located on the southern side of Malta's Grand Harbour, directly across from Valletta, Birgu is part of the famed Three Cities — together with Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla). This ancient harbor town is a maze of narrow lanes, limestone buildings, and shaded courtyards that invite you to slow down and explore at your own pace. The city's peaceful rhythm, coupled with its scenic marina lined with cafés and boats, makes it a perfect escape from the busier capital just across the water.

Birgu is also one of the most picturesque coastal towns in Malta, offering stunning harbor views and easy access by ferry or car from Valletta. The Vittoriosa Waterfront is a highlight in itself — a lively promenade where superyachts sit beside centuries-old warehouses, now home to stylish restaurants and wine bars. Wandering through its quiet backstreets, visitors will find artisan shops, quaint chapels, and viewpoints that frame the harbor and city skyline beautifully. As day turns to evening, Birgu takes on a romantic glow, especially when its waterfront lights shimmer across the water.

With its mix of elegance and authenticity, Birgu is one of the best places to visit in Malta. It's a city where modern life blends effortlessly with old-world charm, offering a more intimate side of Maltese culture. Whether you come for a leisurely stroll, a harbor cruise, or a relaxed dinner by the water, Birgu's warm atmosphere and timeless character will stay with you long after you leave.

History of Birgu

Birgu in the Medieval Period

The story of Birgu stretches back to the medieval era, long before the arrival of the Knights of St. John. Its natural harbor made it a strategic settlement for traders and sailors who passed through the central Mediterranean. During the Middle Ages, Birgu grew from a modest fishing village into a fortified town under various rulers, including the Arabs and later the Normans. By the 15th century, it had become a thriving maritime community known for its shipyards, seafaring families, and defensive position overlooking the Grand Harbour. The town’s strategic importance would soon make it the center of Malta’s destiny.

Birgu and the Knights of St. John

In 1530, when the Knights of St. John arrived in Malta, they made Birgu their headquarters and transformed it into the island’s first fortified capital. Under the leadership of Grand Master Philippe Villiers de L’Isle Adam, the Order fortified the peninsula, constructing Fort St. Angelo at its tip as their main stronghold. Within the walls of Birgu, the Knights built auberges, churches, and administrative buildings that reflected their growing power and influence. The city flourished as a naval and political hub, attracting merchants, craftsmen, and scholars from across Europe. During this period, Birgu became known as Vittoriosa, or “Victorious,” a name that would later gain even greater significance.

Birgu During the Great Siege of 1565

Birgu’s defining moment came during the Great Siege of 1565, when the Ottoman Empire launched a massive assault on the island. The town became the epicenter of resistance, with Fort St. Angelo and its defenders holding firm against months of relentless attacks. The siege ended in victory for the Knights, and Birgu was celebrated as the bastion that saved Malta and Christendom from Ottoman conquest. The town’s new name, Vittoriosa, was granted in honor of this heroic defense. After the siege, Birgu’s role as the Knights’ capital continued briefly until the construction of Valletta began in 1566, marking a new era for the Order.

Birgu in Modern Times

Although the Knights moved their seat of power to Valletta, Birgu remained a significant maritime and residential center. Over the following centuries, it evolved under different rulers, including the French and British, while retaining its historic character. During World War II, Birgu once again found itself on the frontlines, suffering heavy bombing due to its proximity to the naval dockyards. Yet, like before, the city endured and rebuilt. Today, Birgu stands as a beautifully preserved reminder of Malta’s resilience and layered past — a place where medieval streets, knightly architecture, and living traditions all coexist in timeless harmony.

Visiting Birgu for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Birgu on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Birgu not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Birgu and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

St. Lawrence’s Church

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mboesch

Standing proudly at the heart of Birgu’s main square, St. Lawrence’s Church is one of Malta’s most important religious landmarks and a cornerstone of the city’s identity. Before Valletta rose to prominence, this magnificent church served as the Conventual Church of the Knights of St. John, making it the spiritual center of the Order during its early years on the…

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Location: Saint-Lawrence's Church of Birgu, Triq San Lawrenz, Birgu, Malta | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting St. Lawrence’s Church

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Birgu . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Auberge d'Auvergne et Provence, Birgu

CC BY-SA 4.0 / ontinentaleurope

The Auberge d'Auvergne et Provence in Birgu, Malta, was one of the earliest residences constructed by the Knights of St. John to accommodate members of the Langues of Auvergne and Provence. Built in the 1530s, it incorporated earlier structures dating back to the 15th century, and possibly even to the Byzantine period. The auberge was already functional by 1531, as…

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Location: Auberge d’Auvergne and Provence, Birgu, Malta | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Auberge d'Auvergne et Provence, Birgu

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Auberge de Castille et Portugal, Birgu

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Continentaleurope

The Auberge de Castille et Portugal (Maltese: Berġa ta' Kastilja u Portugall) is one of Birgu’s most historically significant buildings, originally constructed to house the Knights of the Order of Saint John belonging to the Langue of Castille, León, and Portugal. The first auberge for this Langue, referred to as the vecchia alberghia di Castiglia, was built in the 1530s,…

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Location: Auberge de Castille et Portugal, Triq Gilormu Cassar, Birgu, Malta | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Auberge de Castille et Portugal, Birgu

Explore Birgu yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Malta Maritime Museum

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Joseolgon

The Malta Maritime Museum, beautifully situated along the Birgu Waterfront, is one of Malta’s most compelling heritage sites and an essential stop for anyone interested in the island’s deep connection to the sea. Housed within the Old Naval Bakery, a stately 19th-century building that once supplied bread to the British Mediterranean Fleet, the museum offers a rich and immersive journey…

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Location: Malta Maritime Museum, The Malta Maritime Museum, Xatt l-Assedju l-Kbir, Birgu, Malta | Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.) | Price: Adults €5 | Website | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Malta Maritime Museum

Click here to read our blog about Best 9 World War II attractions in Malta (2025)

Auberge de France, Birgu

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Continentaleurope

The Auberge de France in Birgu is one of the oldest surviving residences of the Knights of St. John, built around 1533 to house knights from the Langue of France. Incorporating an earlier building, its first conversion into an auberge is credited to Nicolò Flavari, one of the Order’s early architects, with later façade alterations by Bartolommeo Genga. Located within…

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Location: Auberge de France, Birgu, Malta | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Auberge de France, Birgu

Click here to read our blog about Malta: Tracing the Legacy of the Knights of St. John

Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Marie-Lan Nguyen

The Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu (Vittoriosa) is one of Malta’s most remarkable historic buildings and among the very few surviving palaces of its kind in Europe. Originally constructed in the 1530s, the building began its life as the civil law courts of the early Knights of St. John before being adapted into the official residence and tribunal of the Holy…

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Location: Inquisitor's Palace, Birgu, Malta | Hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.) | Price: Adults €6 | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Inquisitor’s Palace, Birgu

Auberge d’Angleterre, Birgu

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Continentaleurope

The Auberge d’Angleterre is one of the oldest and best-preserved of Valletta’s historic auberges, built around 1571–1574 to house the Knights of the Langue of England. Like its counterparts, it was designed by Girolamo Cassar, whose architectural vision defined much of the new city’s early landscape. Constructed in Cassar’s typical Mannerist style, the building combines simple proportions with elegant symmetry,…

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Location: Berġa tal-Ingilterra, Majjistral, Birgu, Malta | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Auberge d’Angleterre, Birgu

Gate of Provence

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Continentaleurope

The Gate of Provence, also known as the Main Gate of Birgu, is the third and final of the city’s principal entrances, completing the trio of gateways that once regulated movement through this fortified maritime hub. Situated along the inner side of St. John Bastion, the gate represents the culmination of centuries of defensive evolution within Birgu’s walls. Built in…

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Location: Gate of Provence, Birgu, Malta | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Gate of Provence

St. John Bastion and the Advanced Gate

CC BY-SA 4.0 / DistractionActivity

The St. John Bastion in Birgu (Vittoriosa) is one of the city’s most imposing defensive structures, a powerful reminder of the Order of St. John’s military mastery and Malta’s long history of fortification. Designed in the 18th century by the renowned French military engineer Charles François de Mondion, the bastion forms a vital part of the city’s outer defenses. It…

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Location: St. John Bastion, Triq P. Boffa, Birgu, Malta | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting St. John Bastion and the Advanced Gate

Armoury of the Knights of Malta

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mboesch

The Armoury of the Knights of Malta in Birgu (Vittoriosa) is one of the city’s earliest and most historically significant structures, reflecting the military and humanitarian legacy of the Order of St. John. Constructed between 1533 and 1537, during the magistracy of Fra Claude de La Sengle, the building was originally designed to serve as the main armoury and munitions…

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Location: Armoury of the Knights of Malta, Birgu, Malta | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Armoury of the Knights of Malta

Post of Castile

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pygar1954

The Post of Castile, located on the eastern side of Birgu’s fortifications, stands as one of the city’s most storied strongholds and a vital link to Malta’s heroic past. Built in 1553, it was named after the Langue of Castille, one of the divisions of the Spanish Knights Hospitaller, who were responsible for its construction and defense. Strategically positioned to…

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Location: Post of Castile, G.F.Abela, Birgu, Malta | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Post of Castile

Couvre Porte (Covered Gate)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / continentaleurope

The Couvre Porte, also known as the Covered Gate or Birgu Counterguard, is one of the most distinctive defensive gateways in Malta, standing as a testament to 18th-century military architecture. Constructed between 1716 and 1730, this fortification was built under the direction of military engineers Charles François de Mondion and Louis François de Tigné during the rule of Grand Master…

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Location: Couvre Porte Counterguard, Triq it-8 ta' Dicembru, Birgu, Malta | Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Price: Adults €10 | Website | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Couvre Porte (Covered Gate)

Fort St. Angelo

CC BY-SA 4.0 / FritzPhotography

Rising proudly at the tip of the Birgu peninsula, Fort St. Angelo is one of Malta’s most iconic landmarks — a fortress that has shaped the island’s destiny for nearly a millennium. Originally known as Castrum Maris, it served as a medieval stronghold under Sicilian rule by the 13th century, consisting of two walled enclosures designed to guard the Grand…

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Location: Fort St Angelo, Waterfront, Birgu, Malta | Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.) | Price: Adults €10 | Website | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Fort St. Angelo

Notre Dame Gate

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Renata Apan

The Notre Dame Gate, built in 1675 under the direction of the Order of St. John, stands as one of the most impressive surviving examples of Baroque military architecture in Malta. Designed as the main gate to the Cottonera Lines, it served as the principal entrance to the fortified cities of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea, and Cospicua — collectively known as…

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Location: Notre Dame Gate, Triq Il - Kottonera, Birgu, Malta | Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Price: Adults €5 (free with ) | Website | Distance: 1.1km

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Visiting Notre Dame Gate

Fort Rinella, Kalkara

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Frank Vincentz

Perched on the eastern outskirts of Kalkara, overlooking the entrance to the Grand Harbour, Fort Rinella is one of Malta’s most extraordinary military structures. Built in 1878 by the British, it was designed to house and operate the Armstrong 100-ton gun, one of only two such colossal artillery pieces ever constructed (the other being in Gibraltar). This immense gun, capable…

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Location: Fort Rinella, Kalkara, Malta | Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Price: Adults €12 | Website | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Fort Rinella, Kalkara

Valletta

Perched on a peninsula along Malta’s sun-soaked eastern coast, Valletta offers an irresistible blend of seaside charm and sophisticated urban life. The city’s golden limestone streets open up to sweeping views of the Mediterranean, with narrow alleys lined by colorful balconies and lively cafés spilling out onto the pavements. As the Maltese capital, Valletta perfectly balances old-world atmosphere with modern…

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Visiting Valletta

Tarxien Temples

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ethan Doyle White

The Tarxien Temples, part of Malta’s remarkable collection of Megalithic Temples, form one of the island’s most fascinating prehistoric sites. Dating back to around 3400–2800 BC, this complex is located in the town of Tarxien, within the island’s central region. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, the Tarxien Temples represent the pinnacle of Malta’s Neolithic craftsmanship and…

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Location: Tarxien Temples, Triq It Tempji Neolitici, Tarxien, Malta | Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.) | Price: Adults €6 | Website | Distance: 2.3km

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Visiting Tarxien Temples

A day trip from Birgu offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Birgu provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.

Mosta

CC BY-SA 2.0 / allen watkin

Located in the heart of Malta’s Northern Region, Mosta is a charming town known for its relaxed atmosphere, lively local culture, and striking skyline dominated by its famous rotunda dome. The town blends traditional Maltese life with a welcoming, easygoing energy — narrow streets filled with cafés, small shops, and daily markets that give visitors a taste of authentic island…

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Visiting Mosta

Mdina

CC BY-SA 2.0 / R Muscat

Perched on a hill in the heart of Malta, Mdina is a captivating blend of serenity and elegance that feels worlds away from the island’s busier coastal towns. Often called “The Silent City,” its tranquil streets, lined with golden limestone buildings and ornate doorways, create an atmosphere of timeless calm. Visiting Mdina offers a glimpse into Malta’s soul — a…

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Visiting Mdina

Rabat

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Balazs Sudar

Located in the western region of Malta, Rabat offers a captivating blend of culture, charm, and local life that makes it a rewarding destination for any traveler. The town lies just outside the fortified walls of Mdina, often serving as a natural extension of the “Silent City.” With its winding streets, sunlit squares, and welcoming atmosphere, Rabat provides a more…

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Visiting Rabat

Comino Island & the Blue Lagoon

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Meehowu

A day trip to Comino and the Blue Lagoon is one of the highlights of any Maltese adventure. It’s easy to reach by boat from either Ċirkewwa (Malta) or Mġarr Harbour (Gozo), with regular ferries and organized tours operating throughout the year. Once there, it’s all about slowing down—swimming, sunbathing, and basking in the dazzling light that makes the Blue…

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Visiting Comino Island & the Blue Lagoon

Victoria (Rabat), Gozo

Victoria, also known locally as Rabat, is the vibrant heart of Gozo, Malta’s sister island. Nestled in the middle of Gozo, this small yet lively city serves as the island’s cultural and administrative hub. With its charming blend of local life, bustling markets, and winding streets, Victoria offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Gozitan life. The city is surrounded by…

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Visiting Victoria (Rabat), Gozo