Point of interest
The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)
in Malta, Malta
Atmospheric fortified harbour towns facing Valletta, full of waterfront cafes, marinas and Knights-era history.
Where it is
The Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua – sit on the south side of the Grand Harbour, directly facing Valletta.
Address: Triq il-Ġublew tal-Fidda, Cospicua
What it is
Spread over two peninsulas, the cities keep narrow lanes, fortified walls and yacht-filled creeks with far fewer tourists than Valletta. Highlights are Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa and Senglea's Gardjola Gardens, with their carved watchtower overlooking the harbour.
History
The oldest, Vittoriosa (Birgu), was the Knights of St John's first home from 1530 and was given its present name after the victorious siege of 1565. Senglea was named after Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, who fortified it in 1551, while Cospicua became the centre of shipbuilding and dockyard work.