Cottonera – The Three Cities

The Three Cities, the fortified towns of Vittoriosa (Birgu), Cospicua (Bormla) and Senglea (l-Isla) are located across the Grand Harbour from Valletta.  The area, also known as Cottonera after the Grand Master Nicholas Cottoner who built the towns’ inland defenses, offers an interesting insight into the history of the island. During World War II it was heavily bombed because of its proximity to the Dockyard, the livelihood of people living in the locality.

Cottonera was first home to the Knights of St. John, who later moved to Valletta.  In fact, many edifices in Cottonera - churches, forts, bastions and palaces - pre-date the buildings found in Valletta.

The inhabitants of the area hold the most spectacular feasts and processions, particularly during Easter time, when statues of the Risen Christ make the rounds in the streets. During the Birgu Festival in October, there is the reenactment of the arrival of the Knights on Malta in 1530.

Fort St Angelo, built in the 12th century AD was used by the Knights as their Headquarters.

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