Top Things to do in Birgu (Vittoriosa)
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What to do and see in Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta: The Best Museums
Discover the best top things to do in Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta including Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, Malta at War Museum, Parish Church Museum, Oratory of St. Joseph, Inquisitor's Palace, Malta Maritime Museum, PPJ ART Studio & Art Gallery.
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1. Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna
2. Malta at War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 827 reviews
The Malta at War Museum is located at the original historic entrance of Vittoriosa (Birgu), the older from the Three Cities. It stands to document for posterity the great ordeal which the brave people of Malta and their defenders endured during the dark days of the Blitz (1940-43). Vittoriosa (Birgu) is the former home to the Royal Navy in the Malta and one of the most bombed places in WW2. This museum combines an attractive exhibition about the Second World War in Malta along with the viewing of an original wartime documentary – ‘Malta G.C.’ and a visit into an underground air raid shelter in which hundreds took refuge during the raids.This attraction has recently undergone a complete remake co-funded by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund (72.25%), the Government of Malta (12.75%) and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna. The result is a new attractive museum spread on nine galleries. Each of these is dedicated to a given aspect of wartime Malta. The museum display is organised in a chronological manner and includes some 10,000 original artefacts connected with the subject. These vary from clothing, weapons, instruments, equipment, printed matter and other large exhibits.The new Malta at War Museum is open daily for visiting between 10.00 and 17.00hrs.
Reviewed By Naomi010 - London, United Kingdom
Really interesting museum with some wonderful artefacts concerning Malta during the war, particularly about the bombardment of the island by enemy forces and the resilience of the Maltese people, earning them the George Cross. Very well curated with a short video and the option of an audio tour or a personal tour with a guide, all included in the entry ticket. Ruth, our guide, was very knowledgeable and interesting. Particularly fascinating are the underground shelters.
3. Parish Church Museum
4. Oratory of St. Joseph
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By surx - Sliema, Malta
Lovely varied display holding the single most unique piece in any museum! De Vallette’s actual sword ...
5. Inquisitor's Palace
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 531 reviews
The Inquisitor's Palace, situated in the heart of Vittoriosa, is one of the very few surviving palaces of its kind which, in the early modern period could be found all over Europe and South America. Many of these palaces simply succumbed to the ravages of time or were victims of the anti-reactionary power unleashed by the French Revolution. Fortunately, the Maltese Inquisitor's Palace, throughout its five centuries of history, always hosted high-ranking officials representing the main powers on the island, who therefore ensured its survival.
Reviewed By N4404OVsherryr - Phoenix, United States
I took the little boat from Valetta to Vittoriosa and walked (uphill) from there. Its not far (10 minutes), but not well-signed either. I liked to see the building itself, the cultural, historic displays, and the historic information about the Inquisition. I thought about whether the information presented was accurate. It certainly presents a different point of view than the Spanish Inquisition. I spent about 90 minutes inside. It was SWELTERING HOT in mid-September. Bring enough water that you do not keel over!
6. Malta Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 393 reviews
Housed within the Old Naval bakery, the Malta Maritime Museum charts Malta's maritime history and lore within a Mediterranean context. It also illustrates the global nature of seafaring and its impact on Malta's society. The museum houses numerous artefacts highlighting the different epochs of Malta's history that is inadvertently tied to the sea.The museum is proud to showcase some unique artefacts including the largest known roman anchor in the world, the earliest known ex:voto on the island, the largest ship model belonging to the Order of St John, the largest collection of cannons on the island, the Napoleonic figure head of the 110 gun ship HMS Hibernia, a 1950's working marine steam engine, and a collection of 60+ boats.
Reviewed By E6339QHandrewr
Situated behind blue doors on the quayside at Il-Birgu, it is not easily identified (there is a small sign on the door). Once inside you get a good feel for how the Maltese ships were built here, why they were feared across the world and quirky collections of things like outboard motors, how engines work and plenty of historical timeline artefacts and maritime memorabilia right up to when the Royal Navy Left Malta for good. If you pay for the ticket as part of the Maritime, Fort t Angelo and the Inquisitors Palace, you get great value for money. Give yourself plenty of time here as they will chase you out at closing time. I think they said 4.30pm was last entry time. Don't bother - leave it to the next day or get there earlier.
7. PPJ ART Studio & Art Gallery
The art studio & gallery opened to the public at the beginning of October 2017 just one week before the Birgu Candlelight festival! The gallery is run by Welsh artist and printmaker Peter Pugh-Jones. Following his retirement as a Project Controls engineer he moved from the UK to Malta in the summer of 2016 and, in early 2017, settled in the historic city of Birgu (Vittoriosa)
