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In 1530 the Knights of St. John first
settled in the Three Cities, on a narrow peninsula of land overlooking the
creeks of the harbour in an area known then as 'Birgu', today it is called
Vittoriosa.
During
World War II, the neighboring cites of Cospicua and Senglea witnessed
severe bomb attacks which destroyed much of the cities.
Today,
the cities are getting a new lease of life, a Yacht Marina, Casinos,
Hotels and many other leisure facilites are being built to embellish this
historic area. Vittoriosa, together with the fortified cities of Senglea
and Cospicua, are a step back in time, an era which is particularly linked
to the birth of the Knights of Malta.
Places to visit in The
Three Cities
Important
Churches
St. Lawrence Church, Vittoriosa
Originally one of the earliest
medieval parishes. It served as the conventual Church of the knights prior
to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, The present church is a fine Roman Baroque
structure, with a very precious inner design with red marble, important
paintings including one by Matti Preti in the chancel. The area in front
of the church served as a graveyard during the Seige of 1565.
Historical Buildings and Monuments
Inquisitor’s Palace, Vittoriosa
Originally the Court of
Justice, until 1574 when the Inquisitor’s Palace was born. The Inquisitors
sat here and an unknown number of people were tortured and died at their
hands. The dungeons with prisoners’ graffiti are still there, as are the
courtrooms and the Inquisitors’ Chapel. Also on display in the Museum are
exhibits of household utensils, tools, furniture and craft paraphernalia.
Bir Mula Heritage House,
Vittoriosa
Bir Mula Heritage House is a building said to be 1000 years old. It was bought
as a home by its present owners, and during the conversion of the property they
discovered ancient artefacts. This privately owned Museum also features some
items found within the Cottonera area.
Forts & Fortifications
Fort St. Angelo, Vittoriosa
Fort St. Angelo is the jewel in the
crown of Malta’s military heritage. Records show that a mediaeval fort
known as Castrum Maris stood on the same site in 1274 and it was occupied
by the Aragonese and the Angevins. In 1530 Forts St. Angelo became the
seat of the Order’s Grand Master. In the 19th century the British
took over the fort and it became the British naval headquarters and the
base of the Allied naval operations in the Mediterranean during World War
II.
Fort Rinella, Kalkara
Fort Rinella was built by the British
between 1878 and 1886, at a time when the islands were threatened by the
supremacy of the Italian Navy. The fort houses a single gun that weighs
100 tons. It has a 32 foot long barrel with a 17.72 inch calibre. It could
fire a one-ton shell that could pierce 21 inches of armor at three miles.
Museums
Maritime Museum, Vittoriosa
On display at this museum are exhibits which have played a part in
Malta’s Maritime history. There is a good variety of ship models,
paintings, nautical instruments, weapons and traditional Maltese boats.
Two halls are dedicated to the navy of the Order of St. John and Royal
Navy
Shopping
Vittoriosa Market,
Vittoriosa
Not a tourist market, however it provides a welcome opportunity
to mix with the Maltese people going about the business of shopping.
Definitely worth seeing if you are in the area, it is by far one of the
most diverse and largest markets. Held every Tuesday, 0700 to 1230
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About Malta
Introduction
Getting Around
Places to Visit
Valletta
The Three Cities
Mdina & Rabat
Gozo & Comino
Places of Interest
Historical Buildings & Gardens
Museums
Temple & Geological
Important Churches
Forts & Fortifications
Other Attractions
Shopping & Markets
Beaches & Bays
Nightlife & Theatre
Family Attractions
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