In the 16th century, the walls of Senglea rose beyond the carob trees, a stone fortress built to defend Malta from the formidable Ottoman Empire. One of two fortified cities within the Grand Harbour, Senglea stood firm during the Great Siege of 1565, its walls and people unyielding in the face of invasion. Their victory marked a turning point, ... read more »
In the 16th century, the walls of Senglea rose beyond the carob trees, a stone fortress built to defend Malta from the formidable Ottoman Empire. One of two fortified cities within the Grand Harbour, Senglea stood firm during the Great Siege of 1565, its walls and people unyielding in the face of invasion. Their victory marked a turning point, securing Malta’s place in history. But centuries later, the city would face a new kind of siege—one not from land or sea, but from the sky.
On January 16, 1941, as World War II raged on, air raid sirens wailed across Senglea, sending its people rushing to shelters. Moments later, the Blitz began. Bombs rained down with relentless force, shaking the city to its core. Buildings crumbled, dust choked the air, and terror gripped those trapped below. Some screamed, some prayed, some fell silent. It was their first taste of the devastation that would follow. This tour will explore the fateful ‘Illustrious Blitz,’ not just as a chapter of war, but as a story of resilience, survival, and the unwavering spirit of a city and its people.
We will then cross Dockyard Creek to the Malta at War Museum, where underground shelters provide a stark glimpse into life during wartime. These tunnels, once a refuge for thousands, now stand as a testament to the endurance and courage of those who lived through the air raids. Here, we will also watch Malta G.C., the island’s first documentary, produced by the Crown Film Unit and released in January 1943. Commissioned by King George VI, the film was created to showcase Malta’s extraordinary perseverance under relentless bombardment. It was during this time that Malta was awarded the George Cross for bravery—a lasting symbol of its strength in the face of impossible odds.
During the tour, we'll have the chance to sample a typical local sandwich, made with traditional Maltese bread known as ftira, filled with ingredients that the local eatery has available. We recommend trying it the Maltese way, with tuna, tomato paste, capers, olives, onions, and the locally made cheeselet, Gbejna. Afterward, we’ll take the ferry across the Grand Harbour to Valletta, where we’ll visit the Lascaris War Rooms, Malta’s wartime headquarters. Here, we’ll learn about the defense of Malta’s skies and take a tour through the restored plotting rooms, which remain the same as they were during the war.
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