A self guided tour exploring the Rich History of Malta’s Knights.
Hey there, history buffs and curious travelers! Ready to dive into the fascinating world of the Knights of Malta? Grab your walking shoes and let’s embark on a journey through time. I’ve spent years exploring these sun-soaked islands, and I’m excited to share my insider’s guide to the most incredible Knight-related sites Malta has to offer.
Now that you’re all fired up to explore Malta’s knightly heritage, why not make your dream a reality? Malta’s not just a summer destination – it’s a year-round treasure trove of history and culture. Malta is your perfect winter escape, and with new flight routes, it’s easier than ever to get there. And when it comes to accommodation, why not live like a modern-day knight (or dame) in your own Maltese pad in the two coolest towns on the island : Sliema and Gzira.
Consider our two favourite accommodations. Checkout the one in Sliema or the one in Gzira.
Let’s get our coordinates, in case you are not familiar with this beautiful country and where it is.
Before you dive in, maybe you want some more context on the Knights of Malta and some more mind-blowing facts about the Knights of Malta, If not, let’s continue..
Valletta: The Knights’ Crowning Glory
1. St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Step into a church and prepare to be amazed. That’s St. John’s for you. It’s not just a pretty face – this place was the spiritual heart of the Knights.
Why it’s cool: Ever heard of Caravaggio? His largest painting is right here, and trust me, it’s a showstopper. The Knights really flexed their artistic muscles in this place. Speaking of art, did you know about Mattia Preti’s significant contributions to Malta’s artistic heritage?
When to go: Mon-Fri: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Sat: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Closed Sundays.
Damage to your wallet: €15 for adults; €12 for students and seniors.
Time you’ll spend in awe: About 1.5 hours.
2. Grandmaster’s Palace
This isn’t just any old palace – it’s where the big cheese of the Knights lived and ruled. Talk about a power pad! Where all of the Knights of Malta economy was controlled.
Why it matters: From Knights to Brits to modern-day Malta, this place has seen it all. Don’t miss the armory – it’s like walking into a real-life video game arsenal.
When to visit: Daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Your contribution: €10 for adults; €7.50 for students and seniors.
Time to feel like royalty: Around 1 hour.
3. Auberge de Castille
Okay, you can’t go inside, but trust me, the outside is worth the trip.
What’s the big deal: This was the swanky pad for the Spanish and Portuguese Knights. Now? It’s where the Prime Minister works. Talk about a glow-up!
When to snap photos: Anytime – it’s always there, looking fabulous.
Cost: Your camera battery life.
Time for the perfect shot: 15 minutes should do it.
4. Upper Barrakka Gardens
Need a breather? This is your spot. The views? Absolutely killer.
Why you’ll love it: These gardens have seen it all – from Knights lounging to epic battles in the harbor below. Oh, and there’s a cannon fired every day at noon. Because why not?
When to chill: Daily 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Price of admission: Nada. Zilch. Free!
Time to zen out: 30 minutes, more if you’re into people-watching.
5. Fort St. Elmo
If walls could talk, Fort St. Elmo would have some stories to tell!
What makes it special: This fort took a beating during the Great Siege of 1565 and lived to tell the tale. Now it’s got all the war stories in its museum. Want to dive deeper into the fort’s history? Check out this comprehensive guide to St. Elmo Fortress.
Hours of operation: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Entrance fee: €10 for adults; €7.50 for students and seniors.
Time to explore: A solid 2 hours.
6. Sacra Infermeria (Mediterranean Conference Centre)
This place was the Mayo Clinic of its day. No joke.
Why it’s a big deal: The Knights were way ahead of their time with healthcare. One patient, one bed? Revolutionary stuff back then!
When you can peek inside: Tours usually between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Double-check, though!
Cost of time travel: Around €5.
Time needed: An hour should cover it.
7. Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck
Not built by the Knights, but man, did they leave their mark here.
Why it’s worth a visit: It’s got a piece of the actual ship St. Paul crashed on. How cool is that? Plus, it’s a slice of Maltese Christianity that even the Knights couldn’t ignore.
Visiting hours: Mon-Sat: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Sun and holidays: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
Price tag: About €5 for adults.
Time to soak it in: 45 minutes should do the trick.
8. Casa Rocca Piccola
Want to snoop around a noble family’s house? Here’s your chance!
What’s so great about it: It’s like stepping into a time machine. See how the other half lived during and after the Knights’ time.
When to be nosy: Mon-Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last tour at 4:00 PM).
Cost of curiosity: Approximately €9 for adults.
Time to pretend you live there: About an hour.
Birgu (Vittoriosa) and Harbor Area: Where it All Began
9. Fort St. Angelo
This isn’t just a fort; it’s THE fort.
Why history buffs drool over it: This bad boy was the Knights’ HQ during the Great Siege. Without it, Malta’s history could’ve been very different. For a deep dive into this historical and cultural icon, read more about Fort St. Angelo here.
Open for exploration: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Ticket to the past: €8 for adults; €5 for students and seniors.
Time to conquer: 1.5 hours.
10. Inquisitor’s Palace
Sounds spooky, right? It’s actually fascinating!
What makes it unique: It’s one of the few Inquisitor’s Palaces left in the world. Talk about rare!
When to investigate: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Cost of inquiry: €6 for adults; €4.50 for students and seniors.
Time for interrogation: About an hour.
11. Birgu Waterfront
This is where the Knights first planted their flag in Malta.
Why you should care: Before Valletta was a twinkle in the Grand Master’s eye, this was the place to be. It’s like walking through the Knights’ first draft of their Malta masterpiece.
Always open: The area, yes. Individual sites vary.
Price of a stroll: Free! (Individual sites might charge.)
Time to wander: A leisurely 2 hours.
12. Fort Ricasoli, Kalkara
You can’t go in, but you can sure admire it from afar.
Claim to fame: It’s huge, it’s old, and it’s been in more movies than most Hollywood stars.
Viewing times: Anytime you can see!
Cost: Just the energy to get there.
Time to appreciate: 30 minutes of gazing should do it.
13. Fort Manoel, Manoel Island
This fort is so pretty, it’s almost unfair to the other forts.
Why architects love it: It’s a textbook example of how to build a star fort. The Knights really outdid themselves here. Curious about the island’s history beyond the fort? Discover Manoel Island’s journey from Roman times to today the Lazzaretto and the legend of the black knight.
When to visit: Weekends only: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM (last entry 12:30 PM).
Damage: About €8 for adults.
Time needed: 1.5 hours to explore every nook and cranny.
Central Malta: Beyond the Harbor
14. Mdina (The Silent City)
Shh… can you hear that? Neither can I. Welcome to the Silent City!
Why it’s magical: It’s like stepping into a time warp. The Knights added their touch, but this place has stories that go way back.
Always open: The city is. Individual sites have their own schedules.
Entry fee: Free to wander. Sites might charge.
Time to get lost: 2-3 hours, easy.
15. Verdala Palace, Buskett
The Knights’ summer vacay spot. Yes, even Knights needed a break.
Cool factor: It’s surrounded by one of Malta’s only forests. The Knights sure knew how to pick a spot!
When to visit: Exterior and gardens: Daily, dawn to dusk. Interior’s a no-go, usually.
Price of admission: Nada for the outside views.
Time for a royal picnic: About an hour.
16. Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar
Nicknamed ‘Mini-Versailles’. Spoiler: It lives up to the hype.
Why it’s jaw-dropping: While it got a 19th-century makeover, its bones are pure Knight-era. It’s like seeing how the Knights’ legacy evolved over time.
Open for ogling: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Price of luxury: About €15 for adults.
Time to feel posh: 1.5 hours.
17. Wignacourt Aqueduct, Birkirkara
Not all heroes wear capes. Some are made of stone and carry water.
Why it’s a big deal: This bad boy solved Valletta’s water problems. No water, no city. Simple as that.
Always there: 24/7, baby!
Cost: Absolutely free.
Time to ponder engineering: 30 minutes should quench your thirst.
Let’s Get This Show on the Road: A 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Valletta Victorious
- Morning: Kick off with St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Grandmaster’s Palace. Your mind will be blown before lunch.
- Midday: Stroll past Auberge de Castille, then picnic in Upper Barrakka Gardens.
- Afternoon: Get your history fix at Fort St. Elmo.
- Evening: If you’re still standing, check out Sacra Infermeria.
Day 2: Birgu and Beyond
- Morning: Ferry to Birgu (it’s like a mini-cruise!). Explore Fort St. Angelo and Inquisitor’s Palace.
- Midday: Wander the Birgu Waterfront. Lunch with a view, anyone?
- Afternoon: Admire Fort Ricasoli from afar. No trespassing, folks!
- Evening: Back to Valletta for a peek at St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church.
Day 3: Central Malta Magic
- Morning: Start in mystical Mdina. Get lost in the best way possible.
- Midday: Verdala Palace and Buskett Gardens. Picnic like a Grand Master!
- Afternoon: Feel fancy at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar.
- Evening: Quick stop at Wignacourt Aqueduct. Thank it for your running water.
Day 4: Valletta Encore and Island Hopping
- Morning: Snoop around Casa Rocca Piccola.
- Midday: Boat to Manoel Island. Fort Manoel awaits!
- Afternoon: Harbor cruise. Wave at all the forts you’ve visited.
- Evening: Last-minute shopping in Valletta. You need souvenirs, right?
Getting Around: The Nitty-Gritty
- Valletta to Birgu:
- Feeling fancy? 10-minute ferry ride.
- On a budget? 25-minute bus ride (routes 1, 2, 3).
- Valletta to Mdina:
- 30-minute bus ride (routes 51, 52, 53). Scenic route alert!
- Valletta to Buskett (Verdala Palace):
- 30-minute bus journey (route 201). Bring a book!
- Mdina to Naxxar (Palazzo Parisio):
- 20-minute bus ride (route 202). Easy peasy.
- Naxxar to Birkirkara:
- Quick 15-minute hop (route 31).
- Valletta to Manoel Island:
- 5-minute ferry from Sliema (but first, a 20-minute bus to Sliema from Valletta).
Pro Tips from a Seasoned Malta Explorer
- Bus Pass Magic: Grab a multi-day pass. Your wallet will thank you.
- Combo Tickets: Look for Heritage Malta passes. More bang for your buck!
- Early Bird Gets the Worm: Start early. Beat the crowds and the heat.
- Hire a Guide: Want the real scoop? Local guides know where the bodies are buried. Figuratively speaking, of course.
- Comfy Shoes are Your Friends: Your feet will thank you after walking on 500-year-old streets.
- Water, Water Everywhere: Stay hydrated! Malta’s sun is no joke. Speaking of water, did you know Malta has a fascinating history with water management? Check out this article on Malta’s historic water trail for some cool insights.
- Snap Happy, But Check First: Some places are camera shy. Always ask before clicking.
- Parli Inglese? Yes, they do! English is widely spoken.
- Foodie Alert: Try pastizzi and rabbit stew. Your taste buds are in for a treat. Want to dive deeper into Maltese cuisine? Here’s a guide to food in Malta that’ll make your mouth water.
- Event Horizon: Check for summer events. Knights in shining armor? Yes, please!
There you have it, folks! Your ultimate guide to walking in the footsteps of the Knights of Malta. From epic sieges to architectural marvels, you’re in for a historical treat. Remember, every stone has a story, every building a battle cry. So, channel your inner Knight, and let’s conquer Malta – one historic site at a time!
Got questions? Shoot! I’m always happy to share more tales from these fascinating islands. Now, go forth and explore!
P.S. If you’re intrigued by the mysteries and legends surrounding the Knights of Malta, this article is a must-read. It’ll add an extra layer of intrigue to your explorations!
As our knightly adventure comes to a close, I hope you’re as excited about Malta as I am. But don’t think for a second that knights and fortresses are all this island has to offer! For those who like to chart their own course, check out these self-guided tour options to explore at your own pace. If you’re itching for more action, Malta’s got you covered. Hike the rugged coastlines, take a dip in the crystal-clear Mediterranean, or grab a snorkel to explore the underwater world.
Consider our two favourite accommodations in either Gzira or Sliema
For the culture vultures, there’s a treasure trove of museums waiting to be discovered. And let’s not forget Comino – that tiny island packs a punch with its stunning Blue Lagoon. Feeling more adventurous? Strap on your scuba gear, scale some cliffs with rock climbing, or hit the trails mountain biking. At the end of each action-packed day, retreat to your cozy Airbnb and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures. Whether you’re planning a week of historical exploration or an extended stay mixing work and play, Malta’s ready to be your home away from home. So pack those bags and prepare for an unforgettable Mediterranean escapade. Malta isn’t just a destination; it’s a lifestyle – one that’s calling your name. See you on the island!
