Beneath the City: Valletta’s Secret Tunnels
Hidden beneath the sun-drenched streets of Valletta lies an extraordinary network of underground tunnels, originally carved out in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John. These subterranean passages were crucial to the city’s defense system—used to move troops unseen, store water and supplies, and withstand long sieges. Ingeniously engineered, they turned Malta’s geographical constraints into strategic advantages.
WWII: From Secret Passages to Strategic Headquarters
During World War II, these historic tunnels took on a new role. They became air raid shelters for the Maltese people and were transformed into command centers for the Allied forces. At the heart of this wartime transformation were the Lascaris War Rooms—a fortified underground complex that became the operational hub for major military campaigns in the Mediterranean.
From here, some of WWII’s most critical air and sea battles were planned,including the defense of Malta and Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943.
Inside the Lascaris War Rooms
Located beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Lascaris War Rooms were constructed in 1940 by the British during the early stages of the Siege of Malta. The site expanded on existing tunnels—some originally used as slave quarters during the Knights’ rule—and became fully operational by 1943.
Each military branch had its own operations room: air defense, naval coordination, anti-aircraft command, coastal defenses, and a radar filter room. Equipped with advanced (for the time) communications systems and air filtration, the complex was designed to remain functional even under heavy bombardment.
After WWII, the War Rooms were used by the Royal Navy and later NATO until 1977. Today, they serve as a museum and living testament to Malta’s vital role in the Allied victory.
Why Visit the Lascaris War Rooms Today?
Visiting the Lascaris War Rooms is like stepping into a time capsule beneath the city. You’ll walk through dimly lit corridors lined with original WWII equipment, including:
- Military command maps and planning boards
- Communication and encryption systems
Uniforms, documents, and personal items from Allied soldiers - Radar and surveillance technology from the 1940s
Knowledgeable guides and multilingual audio tours help bring this wartime world to life with poignant stories and fascinating details. It’s a powerful, immersive journey into Malta’s resilient wartime history—and a stark contrast to the golden limestone facades above.
Visitor Information
- Location: Beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
- Entrance: Via St. James Ditch
- Admission: Around €12 for adults
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (closed on Sundays – check for updates)
- Tour Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Extras: Exhibition on Operation Husky, multilingual audio guides available
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply curious, the Lascaris War Rooms offer one of the most compelling underground experiences in Europe. Discover the hidden heart of Malta’s wartime legacy—thirty meters below the surface.
