Last Saturday, the Malta Crown students went on an excursion to the famous Three Cities — Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua.
Birgu became the first major military stronghold of the Knights of the Order of St John after their arrival in Malta in 1530, long before Valletta was established.
⚔️ The Fort St Angelo also played a particularly important role in Malta’s history, and the students visited it as well. During the Great Siege of 1565, it played a crucial role in the defence of Malta and helped the knights and the Maltese withstand the attack of the huge Ottoman army.
📜 Another stop on the excursion was the Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu. In 1574, the building became the residence of Malta’s first inquisitor. Today, it is a museum that tells the story of Malta, the Inquisition, and everyday life on the island throughout different historical periods.
Birgu became the first major military stronghold of the Knights of the Order of St John after their arrival in Malta in 1530, long before Valletta was established.
⚔️ The Fort St Angelo also played a particularly important role in Malta’s history, and the students visited it as well. During the Great Siege of 1565, it played a crucial role in the defence of Malta and helped the knights and the Maltese withstand the attack of the huge Ottoman army.
📜 Another stop on the excursion was the Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu. In 1574, the building became the residence of Malta’s first inquisitor. Today, it is a museum that tells the story of Malta, the Inquisition, and everyday life on the island throughout different historical periods.
During our excursion to Birgu, we were lucky enough to see the preparations for one of the most beloved local celebrations — Festa Santa Marija, which is celebrated this year on 15 August.
Festa is much more than just a spectacular celebration. At its heart is a centuries-old religious tradition: on the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, solemn processions carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary take place through the streets of towns and villages.
Over time, a unique Maltese Festa culture has developed around this event — music, decorated streets, festive processions and, of course, the famous fireworks, whose programmes are prepared by local teams for months.
✨We were also lucky enough to visit the Chapel of St Lawrence, which was open and beautifully decorated for the upcoming celebration!
Festa is much more than just a spectacular celebration. At its heart is a centuries-old religious tradition: on the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, solemn processions carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary take place through the streets of towns and villages.
Over time, a unique Maltese Festa culture has developed around this event — music, decorated streets, festive processions and, of course, the famous fireworks, whose programmes are prepared by local teams for months.
✨We were also lucky enough to visit the Chapel of St Lawrence, which was open and beautifully decorated for the upcoming celebration!
Between Birgu and Valletta lies the impressive Grand Harbour, so small passenger ferry boats provide a quick way to cross the harbour instead of travelling around it by land. For the Maltese, this is a very familiar way to get around: just a few minutes on the water, and you are already in another city!
The students were delighted to take this short sea journey and had the opportunity to see the historic fortifications of Valletta and the Three Cities from the water.
The students were delighted to take this short sea journey and had the opportunity to see the historic fortifications of Valletta and the Three Cities from the water.
