Discover the historic three citiesaboard a vintage 1921 bus, an unforgettable journey that evokes the charm of a bygone era. This tour explores the fortified region of Cottonera, home to Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea, three cities shaped by the legacy of the Knights of Malta. As the route unfolds, centuries of history connected to the Grand Harbour and the Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942 come to life.
The experience begins in Cospicua, inhabited since Neolithic times and once known as Bormla. Its imposing fortification walls, initiated in 1638 and completed seventy years later, reveal the strategic value of this city, designed to defend its territory along with that of Vittoriosa and Senglea. A panoramic drive provides insight into the rich evolution of this ancient settlement.
The tour continues to Vittoriosa, an essential location due to its safe natural harbor and its strong maritime and military heritage. Before Valletta became Malta’s capital, any power wishing to rule the islands needed to secure control of Vittoriosa. Today, its waterfront showcases historic sites such as the former Palace of the General of the Galleys and the treasury of the Order of St. John, making it a key destination to explore Malta’s cultural heritage.
The final stop is Senglea, connected to Cospicua by a land bridge that gave it its distinctive peninsula shape. In the era of the Knights, it served as a renowned hunting area known as L’Isola di San Giuliano. Its elevated position offers some of the most iconic views of the Grand Harbour, rounding off a journey rich in history, architecture and the authentic character.