The 3 Cities in Malta While Valletta can lay claim to be the smallest capital city in Europe

THE 3 CITIES of MALTA While Valletta can lay claim to be the smallest capital city in Europe it can also boast of having a spectacular natural harbour which fully justifies being called The Grand Harbour. The 3 Cities of the title are located on the southern side of the harbour and are cities in name only. (Think of tiny towns in rural USA which fancy themselves as cities !). These 3 cities certainly don’t sell themselves short and why should they ? They have much to boast about for they afford magnificent locations, with lovely panoramic views towards Valletta, not to mention their interior streetscapes which range from delightful alleyways to imposing Palaces. The best place to commence one’s trip by ferry is from the colonnaded Upper Barrakka Gardes and Saluting Battery which is perched high above Grand Harbour. It dates back from the late 16th century for the Knights of Malta as a location of relaxation. Linger as long as it takes on the balcony to soak up the fabulous vistas above the battery of black cannons before descending in the fast lift to ground level, cross the road and board the splendid ferry which will deliver you in 5 minutes to commence your visit to the 3 Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea agus Cospicua. In fact, these ‘cities’ predate the capital city of Valletta itself. Here indeed be History writ large. Close your eyes and imagine the Grand Siege of 1565. That was when the Ottoman Empire tried to conquer the island of Malta, then held by the Knight Hospitaler. The siege lasted nearly four month. Despite being vastly outnumbered the defenders eventually repelled the invaders, causing the legendary French writer Voltaire to comment: ‘Nothing is better known than the Siege of Malta’. Having re-opened your eyes and if you wish to pick a particular vantage point from which to get the most comprehensive vista of both the history and the geography of this most breathtaking harbour, you could far worse than do the following. Stroll northwards at your leisure after disembarking from the ferry at Senglea though the atmospheric streets of this narrow peninsula to the garden at its extremity. There you will find the memorable little watchtower and one of the THE sightseeing thrills of Malta. Links://https:www.facebook/vickythexplorer https://www.vickythexplorer.com

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