Lascaris War Rooms, Valletta
Museum in Valletta
Hidden beneath Valletta's Upper Barrakka Gardens lies one of Malta's most extraordinary wartime relics-the Lascaris War Rooms. This underground labyrinth, carved deep into the city's limestone over 400 feet below the surface, once served as the nerve center of Allied operations in the Mediterranean during World War II. From these tunnels, British and Maltese forces coordinated the defense of the island, the Siege of Malta in 1942, and the planning of the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. Today, the site stands as one of the Top attractions in Valletta, offering a moving and atmospheric glimpse into Malta's military past.
Stepping inside the Lascaris War Rooms feels like traveling back to a moment when the fate of the Mediterranean hung in the balance. The dimly lit chambers, still filled with maps, telephones, and original plotting tables, reveal the incredible logistics and tension of wartime command. Visitors can explore operation rooms for the army, navy, and air force, each painstakingly restored to how they appeared in the 1940s. This spot is one of the best places to see in Valletta for anyone fascinated by history, strategy, or human endurance-and it's also a highlight of any walking tour of Valletta for those who want to experience the city's underground world.
History and Significance
The Lascaris War Rooms were built during World War II to serve as Britain's underground headquarters in Malta. From here, Allied commanders-including General Dwight D. Eisenhower-directed the 1943 invasion of Sicily, codenamed Operation Husky. Each branch of the military had its own operations room: the RAF Fighter Control monitored all air and sea movements, while naval and army officers coordinated Malta's defenses during relentless Axis bombing raids.
After the war, the War Rooms remained a center of military strategy, becoming the headquarters of the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet. They were reactivated during the 1956 Suez Crisis and later put on alert during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, underscoring Malta’s ongoing strategic importance well into the Cold War.
Things to See and Do
Visitors can tour the full network of tunnels, including map rooms, communication hubs, and officers’ sleeping quarters. The museum’s exhibits feature authentic wartime objects, detailed models, and audio-visual presentations that immerse you in the daily pressures of command. Highlights include the RAF plotting room-where air raids were tracked in real time-and the room where Eisenhower planned the invasion of Sicily. The sense of authenticity is remarkable; everything feels as though the commanders have only just stepped out.
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: Morning to avoid crowds and to pair with a visit to Upper Barrakka Gardens
- Entrance fee in Euros: Around €14 for adults
- Opening hours: Daily 10 am-5 pm
- Official website: warroomsmalta.com
- How long to spend: 1-1.5 hours
- Accessibility: Partial access; tunnels may be narrow or uneven
- Facilities: Gift shop, restrooms, and guided tours
- Photography tip: Low light-bring a camera with good ISO capabilities
- Guided tours: Available hourly with knowledgeable guides who bring the history to life
- Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants near Castille Square and the Upper Barrakka Gardens
How to Get There
The Lascaris War Rooms are located directly beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From Valletta's main entrance or City Gate, it's a 10-minute walk down Triq Sant' Orsla. Visitors arriving via ferry from the Three Cities can take the Barrakka Lift up from the Valletta Waterfront, which conveniently drops you right next to the gardens and the War Rooms entrance.
Is Lascaris War Rooms Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. For history enthusiasts, this is one of the Must-see places in Valletta. The Lascaris War Rooms bring to life the immense bravery, intelligence, and endurance of Malta's wartime story. It's a rare opportunity to step into the actual command center where Allied forces shaped the course of Mediterranean history.
Nearby Attractions
- Upper Barrakka Gardens - A serene public terrace offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
- Casa Rocca Piccola - A noble family home with WWII air raid shelters below.
- Grandmaster's Palace - The former seat of Malta's ruling order, filled with art and history.
- St. John's Co-Cathedral - Home to Caravaggio's famous “The Beheading of St. John.”
- Valletta Waterfront - A lively promenade for food and drinks after your visit.
What Other Travellers Say...
The Lascaris War Rooms, on Lascaris Ditch in Valletta, are an underground World War II–era museum preserving military artifacts and shelters; visitors praise the well-preserved rooms dressed with period items, extensive displays (including a new exhibit on the invasion of Sicily/Operation Husky), and informative guided tours that explain fighter control and operations rooms, while some recommend combining with the War HQ Tunnels tour to see additional sections used as Allied headquarters and later NATO facilities.
The Lascaris War Rooms appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Monday – Saturday: 10.00 – 17:00
Adult €12.00, Children € 5.00
Nearby Attractions
- Saluting Battery (0.0) km
Historic Site - War HQ Tunnels (0.0) km
Museum - Upper Barrakka Gardens (0.1) km
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