The History of Malta's Three Cities

Words by Terrence Mifsud

EXPLORING THE

THREE CI TIES

Words by Terrence Mifsud

THREE CI TIES

Afascinating look into Malta's past may be unravelled once you step into the allure of Cottonera. Cottonera, or the ‘Three Cities’, provides an insightful look into Malta's rich maritime and wartime history.

Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua (you might come across their laconic names: Birgu, L-Isla and Bormla respectively) have all served as a fortification and home to nearly every person to settle on the Islands. It wouldn’t be a surprise if The Three Cities legitimately lay claim to being the birthplace of Maltese history.

Since Phoenician days, their inlets have been in use as harbours; the docks have always provided a means of subsistence for the residents, but they have also left them vulnerable during times of strife between Malta's rulers. Valletta's palaces, churches, forts, and bastions are far more recent in comparison to the Three Cities, which served as the Knights of St. John's original residence.

Although Vittoriosa has been inhabited since the Phoenicians, the present city was founded during the reign of the Order of Saint John. Vittoriosa was chosen as

the capital of Malta when the Order arrived in 1530. After the attack in 1551, Senglea was built on the peninsula known as ‘L'Isola’. In Vittoriosa, Fort Saint Michael and Fort Saint Angelo were built on the sites of Senglea and Castrum Maris, respectively. Geographically, the Three Cities are immediately across Grand Harbour to the east of Valletta, the country's capital.

The Three Cities, which have a combined population of over 11,000, are gradually rediscovering their former fame, drawing numerous locals who are interested in settling in their hospitable environment.

After being driven from Rhodes in 1522 and spending seven years in exile, the Knights were finally awarded Malta as their new base of operations. They established Vittoriosa as their capital, renaming the old citadel Castrum Maris Fort St. Angelo, adding new defences, and constructing many new structures including as churches, auberges, warehouses, and palaces. Initially, the Knights moved to Vittoriosa because of the Grand Harbour, but they in fact grew fond of the fortified city.

The cities were besieged during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565; after the siege, Vittoriosa and Senglea were awarded the names Città Vittoriosa and Città Invicta, respectively. Following the siege, Valletta was built, and in 1571 it took the position of Vittoriosa as the nation's capital. After upgrading the defences under the direction of Grandmaster Nicolas Cotoner, Grandmaster Marc'Antonio Zondadari named the town of

Bormla Città Cospicua in 1722. During World War II, the Three Cities were bombed mercilessly. They had to be rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s. Consequently, after the war, the Cottonera area lost a significant portion of its educated and professional population, and the cities later saw a resurgence of the working class. This caused the area to have higher rates of illiteracy, unemployment, assistance recipients.

As you meander around the Three Cities, you cannot help but be enthralled by the enormous bastions that have been recently restored to their former glory. The Three Cities are all distinct cities and have a lot to offer in their own right. The oratory of the parish church in Bormla, which has six kilometres of fortifications, is loaded with pieces of immaculate artwork. Senglea is home to two splendid churches, St. Philip’s, and Our Lady of Victories, as well as a picturesque park at the island's tip that views out over Grand Harbour and has an example of a Gardjola guard post.

You too can discover the history of the Three Cities, explore the magnificent yacht harbour, or just relax at one of the many adjacent wine bars, eateries, or cafés that are located there. We promise you won’t regret it!