Malta Tour Guide

Great Siege 1565

In the 18th century, Voltaire had commented ‘rien est plus connu que la siege de Malte’ (nothing is so well known as the Siege of Malta). Few other episodes in the history of warfare have rivalled the Great Siege of 1565 for its heroism, significance and its different aspects. After more than 500 years the story of the impressive victory of... read more »

1941 Senglea Blitz and Malta at War

It was in the 16th century that the walls of Senglea rose beyond the carob trees, a fortress carved from stone to shield Malta from the formidable might of the Ottoman Empire. One of two fortified cities built within the Grand Harbour, Senglea stood as a stronghold of resistance when the Ottomans invaded in 1565. The city, her walls, and her pe... read more »

It was in the 16th century that the walls of Senglea rose beyond the carob trees, a fortress carved from stone to shield Malta from the formidable might of the Ottoman Empire. One of two fortified cities built within the Grand Harbour, Senglea stood as a stronghold of resistance when the Ottomans invaded in 1565. The city, her walls, and her people remained unyielding, repelling the onslaught and ushering Malta into a new era.

Back then, sieges came from land and sea. But 350 years later, war arrived from the sky. The world was once again engulfed in conflict, and Senglea—her walls battle-worn yet steadfast—had to steel itself for another fight.

On the afternoon of January 16, 1941, the air raid sirens wailed, their eerie cry sending people rushing to shelters. Moments later, hell was unleashed. Bombs rained down with merciless fury, shaking the city to its core. The ground trembled as buildings crumbled, and in the suffocating dust and darkness, the people of Senglea faced terror beyond imagination. Some screamed. Some prayed. Some sang. And some fell into a harrowing silence. That day, they had their first taste of the Blitz. It would not be their last.

This tour will delve into the events of the fateful ‘Illustrious Blitz.’ But make no mistake—this is not just a war tour. This is a story of resilience and survival, of education, economy, religion, and politics. But above all, it is a story of a city and her people.

We will then make our way across ‘Dockyard Creek,’ where the underground shelters at the Malta at War Museum offer a powerful glimpse into the grim reality of life during wartime, immersing visitors in the fear, endurance, and survival of those who once sought refuge within their walls. Here, we can also watch Malta G.C., the island’s first-ever documentary, produced by the Crown Film Unit and released in January 1943. Commissioned by King George VI, the film was meant to show the world the indomitable spirit of the Maltese people as they endured relentless attacks. It was during this time that Malta was awarded the George Cross for bravery—a symbol of its remarkable resilience in the face of impossible odds.

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WWII Malta Story - Senglea Blitz, Malta at War & Lascaris War Rooms

In the 16th century, the walls of Senglea rose beyond the carob trees, a stone fortress built to defend Malta from the formidable Ottoman Empire. One of two fortified cities within the Grand Harbour, Senglea stood firm during the Great Siege of 1565, its walls and people unyielding in the face of invasion. Their victory marked a turning point, ... read more »

In the 16th century, the walls of Senglea rose beyond the carob trees, a stone fortress built to defend Malta from the formidable Ottoman Empire. One of two fortified cities within the Grand Harbour, Senglea stood firm during the Great Siege of 1565, its walls and people unyielding in the face of invasion. Their victory marked a turning point, securing Malta’s place in history. But centuries later, the city would face a new kind of siege—one not from land or sea, but from the sky.

On January 16, 1941, as World War II raged on, air raid sirens wailed across Senglea, sending its people rushing to shelters. Moments later, the Blitz began. Bombs rained down with relentless force, shaking the city to its core. Buildings crumbled, dust choked the air, and terror gripped those trapped below. Some screamed, some prayed, some fell silent. It was their first taste of the devastation that would follow. This tour will explore the fateful ‘Illustrious Blitz,’ not just as a chapter of war, but as a story of resilience, survival, and the unwavering spirit of a city and its people.

We will then cross Dockyard Creek to the Malta at War Museum, where underground shelters provide a stark glimpse into life during wartime. These tunnels, once a refuge for thousands, now stand as a testament to the endurance and courage of those who lived through the air raids. Here, we will also watch Malta G.C., the island’s first documentary, produced by the Crown Film Unit and released in January 1943. Commissioned by King George VI, the film was created to showcase Malta’s extraordinary perseverance under relentless bombardment. It was during this time that Malta was awarded the George Cross for bravery—a lasting symbol of its strength in the face of impossible odds.

During the tour, we'll have the chance to sample a typical local sandwich, made with traditional Maltese bread known as ftira, filled with ingredients that the local eatery has available. We recommend trying it the Maltese way, with tuna, tomato paste, capers, olives, onions, and the locally made cheeselet, Gbejna. Afterward, we’ll take the ferry across the Grand Harbour to Valletta, where we’ll visit the Lascaris War Rooms, Malta’s wartime headquarters. Here, we’ll learn about the defense of Malta’s skies and take a tour through the restored plotting rooms, which remain the same as they were during the war.

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Great Siege 1565

1941 Senglea Blitz and Malta at War

WWII Malta Story - Senglea Blitz, Malta at War & Lascaris War Rooms

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