Cottonera or the ‘Three Cities’ is the generic name given in Malta to a group of three fortified settlements located a stone’s throw away from Valletta, which invite you to enter another bygone era because they were the origins of Malta’s history. They are places where all the civilisations that have settled on the island have passed through and where time seems to have stopped centuries ago. This is reflected in its narrow and winding streets, its buildings and even its people. Cottonera is named after Grand Master Nicolás Cotoner (1608-1680), who ordered the construction of defences in the 17th century and is made up of the following cities: Vittoriosa (also known as Birgu, its name before the Great Siege), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla). Its highlights are Fort Saint Angelo, built on the site of an old castle, and the Inquisitor’s Palace, which preserves original cells that can be visited.
Vittoriosa and Senglea are peninsula-shaped and connected by a footbridge. Cospicua merges with Vittoriosa on its southern side. After all this time, the Three Cities of Malta still retain their ancient names and, most importantly, great treasures that speak of their past.
The Three Cities
The narrow streets and breathtaking panoramic views are common to the Three Cities. Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea offer travellers a taste of Malta at its most authentic because the local flavour and aroma of another time has been preserved in those three small cities. It is a real pleasure to stroll through their streets and soak up their charm.
Vittoriosa
Also known as Birgu (Malta), Vittoriosa is probably the most charming of the Three Cities. It is 800 metres long and 400 metres wide and invites you to wander through its flower-lined narrow streets. It was Malta’s capital until 1565. While strolling through Vittoriosa, travellers will come across very interesting places. They are as follows:
Inquisitor’s Palace
Built in 1530, it was used as a courthouse until 1570. From then on, it housed the Inquisition’s tribunal and prison for 200 years. Today you can still see the cells with the inscriptions made by the prisoners as well as the torture chamber, although its space is occupied by an interesting ethnography museum.
Auberges
In Vittoriosa, several Hospitaller hostels were built to house the knights of the Order of Saint John. Some have survived to this day and are considered sites of special tourist interest. This is the case of the Auberge de France, built in 1533, and the Auberge d’Angleterre, built in 1534.
Fort Saint Angelo
Fort Saint Angelo is a medieval building that was taken over by the knights in 1530 and was the residence of the Grand Master of the Order until 1573. The British occupied the fort in the 19th century and it now houses the modern Order of Saint John. From there you can enjoy magnificent views of Valletta and the Grand Harbour.
Maritime Museum
Located very close to Fort Saint Angelo and overlooking the harbour, this small museum has an interesting collection of objects related to the sea and the navy. There, Malta’s maritime history is told through a collection of over 20,000 items including boats, ship models, guns, cannons, paintings, uniforms, etc.
Churches in Vittoriosa
The most interesting churches in Vittoriosa are the Dominican Church of the Annunciation, which has been practically rebuilt after its destruction; Saint Lawrence’s Church, which preserves a valuable painting by Mattia Preti; and Saint Scholastica’s Church. The three temples date from the 17th century.
War Museum
Housed in a former 18th-century barracks, this museum has numerous underground tunnels that attest to Malta’s importance during World War II. It displays uniforms from the two world wars, flags, gas masks, military weapons, documents, medals and other military equipment.
Marina
Around the Vittoriosa marina, there are numerous restaurants with beautiful views of Valletta so that you can enjoy traditional Maltese cuisine. From there you can also sail on a traditional wooden boat or gondola to cruise the waters around the Three Cities.
Cospicua
This fortified settlement, the largest of the Three Cities, is unique since it has one of the main churches in Malta, the Collegiate Church of the Immaculate Conception, but it also has other attractions for travellers:
Zabbar Gate
Hompesch Gate, located just over 2 km from Cospicua (Malta) in Zabbar, is a memorial arch that was built in 1801 to celebrate the town status granted to Zabbar by Ferdinand von Hompesch, Grand Master of the Order of Saint John, in 1797.
Immaculate Conception Church
This is one of the most visited churches in Malta. Inside, major works of art are preserved, such as the ‘Virgin and Child’ painting by Polidoro da Lanciano.
Pueblo de Kalkara
With just 3,000 inhabitants, the village of Kalkara is named after an ancient lime kiln of Roman origin. It is within walking distance of Valletta and the Three Cities and is well worth a stroll through its narrow streets.
Senglea
This is a small city overlooking the sea and has managed to maintain the beauty and treasures of its long history. Climb the 16th-century Fort Saint Michael for an incredible view of Valletta harbour and the neighbouring city of Vittoriosa. You should also stroll through the city centre and explore its colourful balconies and tourist attractions.
Basilica of Our Lady of Victories
Located in the heart of Senglea (Malta), this is a major temple built in 1580 and designed by the architect Vittorio Cassar. Pope Benedict XV declared it a basilica. After being damaged during World War II, it was rebuilt during the second half of the 20th century.
Gardjola Gardens
This is a beautiful green area with great panoramic views of Valletta and Birgu harbour, with Fort Saint Angelo in the background.
Where to stay in Malta
If you want to travel to Cottonera on your trip to Malta and stay in a hotel where you are guaranteed rest and comfort, we recommend the Barceló Fortina Malta hotel due to its excellent quality-price ratio. It is a very cosy and comfortable five-star accommodation located on Sliema’s seafront, with fantastic views of the Mediterranean and Valletta. It has 183 very comfortable, modern and equipped rooms with a terrace. It has an international restaurant where you can also enjoy typical Maltese cuisine and a well-equipped spa where you can relax with a treatment, sauna or hammam. In short, it is a true oasis so that you can feel at home (or even better).
