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| The
Three Cities are located across the Grand Harbour from
Valletta and have been occupied since Roman times at
least. During the Great Siege of 1565, before Valletta
was built, Birgu was the chief city of the Knights and
Fort Saint Angelo was their headquarters. Birgu and
Isla are located on peninsulae jutting into the harbour
and separated from one another by long, narrow creeks.
The third city is Bormla located immediately inland
from Birgu. |
Birgu.
Fort Saint Angelo |
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| After
their victory over the Turks, the town of Birgu was
re-named Vittoriosa (“Victory”)
but people still use the old one as often as not. |
The
Outer Defences of Vittoriosa (Birgu) |
Gill
& Flavia on a Dighijsa Excursion |
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Angelo
with the Dighijsa |
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The traditional small boats of Malta
are known as Dighijsa and were apparently based on
a Phoenician design. A cruise around the Grand Harbour
in one of these is a treat not to be missed. |
Isla
(Senglea) |
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Senglea
takes its name from Claude de la Sengle who was
Grand Master of the Order of Saint John until 1557
but, like Vittoriosa, it is more commonly known
by its original name of Isla. The
last promontory, at the entrance to the harbour,
is known as Gallows Point and is occupied by Fort
Ricasoli, which was built in the 17th century to
compliment Fort Saint Elmo on the opposite side.
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Kalkara,
Fort Ricasoli & the Entrance to the Grand
Harbour |
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Fond Memories |
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