Sights

The Annunciation Church

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The Annunciation Church is run by the Dominican friars. An older church built in 1528 was later enlarged in 1639. This, however, was destroyed in World War II and completely reconstructed in 1960. The feast of St. Dominic is the second feast celebrated in Birgu, and is held on the last weekend of August.

Fort St. Angelo

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At the tip of the promontory is the oldest fortified part of Vittoriosa. It was already documented as the Castrum Maris in 1274, but the site must have been fortified already in more ancient times.   It was occupied in mediaeval times by the Castellan, or warlord, who defended the landed interest of his overlord, residing in Sicily. A garrison of some 100-150 guard­ed the Castle. On the highest part still stands the Chapel of St. Anne, as well as the house of the Castellan. In 1530, the Castrum Maris became the Seat of the Grandmaster of the Knights of St. John, and more..

The Three Gates

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The most interesting way to enter the town is via the "Three Gates". These are called, the Advanced Gate, (built 1722) the Couvre Port, and the Main Gate, respectively.

The Birgu Marina and Maritime Museum

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The Birgu Marina is backed by a number of buildings built by the Knights, which were later to be used even by the British military and navy during the course of the 19th and 20th cen­tury.   Amongst these buildings, one finds the Palace of the captain of the galleys, the house of the general of the galleys, the naval stores, and the old bakery. This building was con­structed in 1842, by the English architect William Scamp. It is now open to the public as a Museum of Maritime History. The Maritime museum houses a vast range of memorabilia that recounts Malta's more..

The Parish Church of St. Lawrence

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The earliest documented building is known to have existed in 1436. The Knights, in 1530, converted the church into their conventual place for worship. After only two years, it was destroyed by fire and the present church is that which was built by Lorenzo Gafa' in the 17th century. The interior of the church is covered with red marble, while beautiful paintings adorn its chapels. However the most important painting is that which hangs behind the main altar, as it is dedicated to the patron saint of the town, and depicts the martyrdom of St. Lawrence. This picture is the more..

Freedom Monument

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The monument stands next to the quay from where in 1979 the last British military contingent in Malta embarked on H.M.S. London. This ended 180 years of British military pres­ence on the island. The figures on top of the hill personify the Maltese bidding farewell to the British sailor.

Pjazza Vittoriosa

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The town square known to the locals as ll-Pjazza where one finds the band club of St. Lawrence. The architectural decorations as well as the arched wooden balcony are truly eye-catching.

In the middle of the square, stand two statues. The white statue of St. Lawrence was built in 1880. The green statue commemorates the Great Siege of 1565. It is best known as the Victory Monument, and was built in 1705.