Why you simply must visit Birgu?

I have lived now in this wonderful city of Birgu for five years and I am delighted to say I discover new amazing aspects of this maritime city all the time. It is a fascinating and intriguing city with an enormous amount of cultural wealth and richness as well as a wonderful neighbourhood to live.  Whether you travel in by bus or perhaps catch a frejgatina from Valletta it is definitely worth a visit when visiting Malta.

Birgu in my opinion is one of the most beautiful old cities in Malta, wonderfully positioned set on the Grand harbour overlooking the Mediterranean.  The historic aspect of Birgu is fascinating with so many places and sites to visit.  The Knights of Malta settled in Birgu in the 1500’s and certainly left their mark architecturally.  The Knights palaces are mostly open to visitors as is the Inquistor’s Palace and we hope the Fort St Angelo will soon be open to expose a gem of a fortress.  The Palace Angleterre now houses the Birgu local council as well as the lovely local library. Other interesting sites to visit include the War Museum in Couvre Port where you can see where people sheltered during the 2nd world war within the tunnels that run though the bastions. 

The main square is a perfect place to sit and watch the world go by over a coffee or a light snack at one of the cafes between wondering through the narrow pretty streets of the city where you can marvel at how well the residents decorate the streets with plants.  Do visit the two main churches in Birgu including St Lawrence church just off the square and St Dominic’s church further up the road which are both beautiful churches.

Venture down to the marina and walk along the relatively new modern marina set in a stunning historic location and see the mighty superyachts that are invariably berthed in what is now Malta’s superyacht marina. At the end of the marina you will reach the Fort St Angelo which is presently closed but you can stand beneath and get a sense of its grandour and mighty fortifications. If you feel like a longer walk you can walk all the way round Kalkara creek along the picturesque harbour and see the colourful fishing boats bobbing up and down in the water and fishermen fishing along the way.  The marina also offers a lovely selection of restaurants where you can sit out and enjoy the view while dining on delicious delicacies - ideal for a long lunch or a summer evening outdoor meal. The Maritime museum down on the marina is fascinating and worth a visit. And do look out for occasional exhibitions showing at one of the buildings down on the marina as well as the Rolex Middle Sea race in October every year where most of the racing boats berth.

Birgu is a hive of activity.  We are fortunate to have a pro active and passionate mayor John Boxall and team as well council who organise events on a regular basis in the city.  I sometimes feel that I don’t need to go anywhere else as there is always some form of entertainment on my doorstep.  The two feasts are definitely a highlight of the year in August and the celebrations go on for weeks.  The bands parade through the streets during these occasions which draws residents and tourists out into the streets.

‘Birgu by candlelight’ is now established as an annual event attracting tourists and locals to the city to see the city lit up in candlelight and enjoy various forms of entertainment and street theatre throughout the city.  In the time I have lived in Birgu I have seen Morris dancers singing in the local bar and dancing in the square, I have seen a music concert in the beautiful Olive grove between the bastions, concerts in the Church of St Lawrence and various festivals in the streets of Birgu.  There is never a dull moment and it worth checking the local website www.birgu.gov.mt to see if there are any events on when you plan to visit the city.

Birgu for children is good in that you can eat outdoors on the marina but there is also a playground at the top of the city opposite the bus terminus.  The local council have plans to further develop the playground and perhaps open up the lovely gardens below the bastions.

Birgu is also an attractive place to visit in the evening with numerous wine bars opening up in the last few years.  Notably Il Forn and Del Borgo provide lovely platters and a good choice of wines on a nightly basis.

If you get lost in the city then don’t hesitate to ask for directions.  Everyone is very welcoming and very friendly and always happy to help.  

A trip to Birgu should definitely feature on your agenda when visiting Malta.  I hope you enjoy your visit to this beautiful city.
Lisa Grech

(Lisa Grech has been living this time round in Malta for 10 years having previously lived and worked in London and overseas.  Lisa has lived in Birgu for the last 5 years with her 3 year old son Oliver).