If you want to know the history of Malta thoroughly, then certainly visit the three cities that are the basis of everything on this island. No, it's not the famous Valletta or even Mdina or Rabat , which appeared here much later.
We are talking about a kind of architectural tandem, called the "Three Cities". This is Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea. These names of the city were received not so long ago, and during their foundation they were named by Bormla, Birgu and Isla, respectively. Travelers certainly need to know about it, because bus stops have exactly the old names. Local residents often write these names through a hyphen - old and new, so as not to be confused by themselves and it was clear to tourists.
Geographical location
Three cities in Malta coexist with each other and literally pass one into another. They are very unusual, because Malta is an irregularly shaped island with all kinds of protrusions, two of which are located Vittoriosa and Senglea, and on the continental part at their base lies Cospicua. It is best to inspect these cities during a boat trip on a ship, or to the highest point of Valletta, from where everything can be seen as in the palm of your hand.
Cospiqua-Bormla
This city is considered the youngest in the famous triad, because it appeared in the XVIII century. Much earlier it was a settlement, and after the Knights-Ioannites erected fortifications and bastions with double fortress walls, the place gained real fame.
His docks, located in the bay, served as a berth for fishing boats, as well as warehouses for goods brought by sea from all over the world. The modern town of Kospikua has acquired its present appearance after 2000, and it is constantly getting better to interest tourists from all over the world caught up in Malta.
How to get to Cospicua-Bormla?
To get to one of the three cities, you should use public transport - take the bus coming from Valletta. By the way, the bus service in Malta is very popular and is the pride of the locals. Everywhere you can find miniature images of this type of transport, including on souvenir products. From Valletta there are two buses:
- No. 2 Valletta-Floriana-Humran-Marsa-Paola-BORMLA-Birgu;
- №3 Valletta-Floriana-Marsa- Paola-BORMLA-Birgu-Kalkara.
What to see in the city?
The most beautiful and famous building of the city is the Temple of the Immaculate Conception, in which there is a statue carved by a nun from a solid tree in 1689. To get here at the mass, you need to know the schedule of services that take place here on church holidays and weekends at 7.00, 8.00, 9.15, 11.45, 17.00. on weekdays you can check in at 7.00, 8.30. 18.00.
Right next to the steps leading to the temple, is the Military Memorial of Kospicua - a huge angel with a cross and a crown - a symbol of Malta.
An interesting historical monument is the first dry Dock, which appeared in the time of knighthood. After all, this place is very convenient from a technical point of view. In the form in which it exists now, Dock No. 1 was built in 1848. Later it expanded, and at the same time the Chapel of the Holy Heart was built here by the sailors. In 2010, it was decided to create a historic pedestrian complex here.
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Restaurants and hotels in Koscicua
The Triq Xatt Ir-Risq (Bormla Waterfront) is located Regatta restaurant, where locals and tourists can eat heartily, choosing dishes from the menu of Mediterranean cuisine and a rich wine list. Guests can stay at the Julesy's BnB.
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Senglea (Isla)
As in all the towns of the triad, you can get here by bus from Valletta. So, in this direction the bus №1 Valletta-Floriana-Marsa-Paola-Bormla-Isla goes. Near the church of Santa Maria, the Vittoria business is a stop, on which you can begin to explore the sights.
What is interesting in Sengle?
In addition to all kinds of architectural monuments from public gardens located at the extreme point of the peninsula, from the fortress of St. Michael's fortress, a breathtaking view of Vittoriosa and Valletta, to which you can reach. Here is a watchtower, which has a hexagonal shape, which shows the symbols of Malta - the eye, the bird and the ear.
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Where to stay in Senglea?
For tourists, Sally Port Senglea is the perfect place to stay. The hotel offers cozy rooms equipped with a plasma screen, small kitchen, bathroom and free internet. It is not necessary to use public transport, because next to the hotel there is a dock where you can hire a water taxi in any of the Three Cities in Malta.
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Vittoriosa (Birgu)
The third of the famous cities is equal in size to Senglea and is also located on an elongated peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea.
Attractions in Vittoriosa
As in all the fear of the towns there is also something to see, but the most important objects for the pilgrimage of tourists was a block of gates that once protected the city - the Main, the Ambush and the Advanced. Right under the gate is the Museum of Military Glory of Malta, which can be accessed only for 8 euros from 10.00 to 17.00.
In addition, there is an interesting Church of St. Lawrence, which is located at the very edge of the water, reflected in the watery surface (Tpiq San Lawrents). It was built by the Knights of the Maltese Order in the 16th century, and up to this time it has preserved its original color.
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Where to spend the night in Birga and have lunch?
As in the rest of the Three Cities of Malta, there is only one place to stop overnight: the Carming house in Birgu. It is located on the central street of the city and you can not find it simply.
If you are hungry, then you can dine at an excellent vegetarian restaurant. There is a decent choice of dishes, excellent service and democratic prices. The restaurant is located on the waterfront, so visitors can enjoy the beauty around the meal.
For lovers of meat dishes and seafood you can advise the restaurant Osteria.Ve. In addition to the main dishes, fine fresh pastries are served here, which can be tasted with relish in a room located in an old stone building.
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How to get there?
Again from Valletta to Vittorriosa there are two buses:
- No. 1 Valletta-Floriana-Hamrun-Marsa-Paola-Bormla-Birgu;
- №2 Valletta-Floriana-Marsa-Paola-Bormla-Birgu-Kalkara.