Dive into Malta’s rich history by exploring its underground passageways, tunnels, and shelters. From the Three Cities of Senglea, Birgu, and Bormla to the capital, Valletta, these hidden structures tell the story of Malta’s resilience and ingenuity across centuries.

The Three Cities: A Historic Stronghold

The Three Cities—Senglea (L-Isla), Birgu (Vittoriosa), and Bormla (Cospicua)—have played a pivotal role in Malta’s history. Known collectively as ‘The Cottonera’, these fortified towns were:

• A refuge for early settlers and the Knights of the Order of Saint John.
• A defensive bastion during the Great Siege of 1565.
• A home to military engineering innovations, including extensive underground tunnels.

Discover the Underground of the Three Cities

The subterranean passages of Senglea and Birgu, constructed in the 16th century, served multiple purposes over the years:

• Secret Passages: Facilitated discreet troop movements during sieges.
• Water Storage: Housed cisterns and wells critical for survival.
• Air Raid Shelters: Protected residents during World War II bombings.
• Sanitation Systems: Functioned as early drainage and sewage networks.

Key Sites to Explore

• Senglea Tunnels
  • Originally designed to defend the Saint Michael bastion, these tunnels spanned the island with exits leading to the sea for strategic retreats.
• Malta at War Museum (Birgu)
  Located beneath the Couvre Porte Counterguard, the museum
  showcases:
  • 1.5 kilometers of underground corridors used as World War II
    shelters.
  • Wartime memorabilia, including weapons and original footage.
  • Tickets: Visit Malta at War Museum
• Alter Aqua Cottonera Reservoir Trail
  • A guided tour revealing 12 historical reservoirs in Birgu, crucial forwater storage and flood control since the 16th century.
  • Tickets: Alter Aqua Trail Information

The shelter in Birgu’s war museum

Valletta’s Underground Marvels

Founded in 1566 after the Great Siege of Malta, Valletta was meticulously planned by military engineer Francesco Laparelli. Beneath its streets lies an underground city, designed for defense and survival.

Highlights of Valletta’s Underground

• Historic Tunnels and Cisterns
  • Built to store water and protect against sieges, these passages mirror Valletta’s street grid.
  • Used during World War II as shelters, they saved countless lives from the relentless bombing.
• Guided Tours with Heritage Malta
  • The ‘Underground Valletta’ program offers access to tunnels, cisterns, and bomb shelters up to 30 meters underground.
  • Tickets: Book a Tour
• The Lascaris War Rooms
  • Hidden beneath Valletta, this underground complex served as the British headquarters during World War II.
  • Originally slave quarters during the Hospitaller era, these tunnels were expanded in 1940 to coordinate Allied operations, including the invasion of Sicily.
  • A must-visit for history buffs!

Photo : The Anti-Aircraft Guns Operations Room
Lascaris war rooms

Why Visit Malta’s Underground?

Exploring Malta’s underground is like stepping back in time. These tunnels and shelters not only reflect Malta’s military heritage but also its adaptability and innovation in the face of adversity.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re fascinated by military history, architectural ingenuity, or simply seeking a unique experience, Malta’s underground promises an unforgettable journey into the island’s storied past.

Book your tickets today to uncover the secrets beneath Malta’s historic cities!