Three Cities Tour: Explore Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua with Boat Ride

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea.

The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, which has existed since the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of the Knights of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries, respectively.

During this half-day tour, you will have the opportunity to appreciate these unique historical fortified cities and admire magnificent churches, traditional piazzas, incredible fortifications, and architectural treasures found all around the Three Cities area—pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation!

We start our tour with a panoramic drive past the city of Cospicua, a double-fortified harbour city and the largest of the Three Cities, flanked by Senglea on the west and Vittoriosa on the east. Cospicua is well known for its large dockyard and its impressive fortifications known as the Santa Margherita Lines and the Cottonera Lines.

A short stretch away from Cospicua lies the city of Vittoriosa. The city occupies a promontory of land with the impressive Fort Saint Angelo at its head and the city of Cospicua at its base.

The origins of this glorious city date back to mediaeval times. Over the centuries, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, the Angevines, the Aragonese, and the Order of the Knights of Saint John all contributed to the development of this magnificent city.

Ideally situated for safe anchorage, Vittoriosa has a very long history of maritime, mercantile, and military activities. Prior to the establishment of Valletta as the capital and main city of Malta, military powers that wanted to rule the Maltese islands always endeavoured to obtain control of Vittoriosa due to its significant position in the Grand Harbour. In fact, it served as the base of the Order of the Knights of Saint John and the “de facto” capital city of Malta from 1530 to 1571. Vittoriosa is well known for its vital role in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.

We will enjoy a fascinating walking tour through the distinctively narrow, winding streets of the city, admiring and appreciating all the historical buildings and captivating treasures found at every twist and turn. Upon our arrival at the stunning Vittoriosa Waterfront, we will board a traditional Maltese “Frejgatina” (a small, carvel-built fishing boat) for a delightful tour of the colourful harbour creeks.

We end our tour at Senglea, named after Claude De La Sengle, the Grand Master who founded the city. Senglea is also known as “Civitas Invicta," a name given to the city for managing to resist the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.

The island on which Senglea lies was joined by a land bridge to Cospicua during the time of the Knights of St. John, and as a result, it became peninsular in shape. From the Gardjola Gardens located at the tip of the peninsula, we will enjoy a stunning 360° view of the Grand Harbour, including the impressive Fort Saint Angelo, from where the Grand Master Jean Perisot De La Valette led the defence of the island during the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.

During the whole tour, our knowledgeable and experienced guides will provide you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.