Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
St John's Co-Cathedral
Valletta, Malta
A plain stone exterior hides one of the most lavish baroque interiors in Europe.
Neighbourhood · Malta · Malta
Three Cities (Birgu)
The old fortified towns across the harbour from Valletta, with quiet lanes and a marina.
Free to enter about 2.5 h
For storytellers
Why Three Cities (Birgu) matters
Across the water from Valletta lie the Three Cities, older than the capital. Birgu has narrow lanes, small squares and a lively waterfront with yachts. It was the knights' first home before Valletta. A harbour ferry or a traditional boat takes you across.
Talking points
- The knights lived here before Valletta existed.
- Quiet lanes contrast with busy Valletta.
- Boats cross the harbour from Valletta.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
More in Valletta
Historic site · UNESCO
Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni
Valletta, Malta
An underground prehistoric temple carved into the rock, with chambers over several levels.
Garden
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Valletta, Malta
A terraced garden with a view across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities.
Palace
Grandmaster's Palace
Valletta, Malta
The knights' former palace, now holding state rooms and an armoury.
Castle
Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum
Valletta, Malta
A star-shaped fort at the tip of Valletta, key to the Great Siege and later wars.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.