Description
Malta’s majestic Grand Harbour is one of the most spectacular ports in the world.
A wide stretch of water separating the capital city of Valletta from the historic towns of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, the harbour has been a hive of activity for more than 2,000 years.
The south-eastern shore of the harbour is formed by a number of inlets and headlands, namely Rinella Creek, Kalkara Creek, Dockyard Creek, and French Creek.
The Grand Harbour was the base for the Order of Saint John for 268 years, from 1530 to 1798.
They settled in Vittoriosa and improved its fortifications, including Fort St Angelo.
The harbour was the scene of much of the fighting in the Great Siege of Malta of 1565 when the Ottomans attempted to eject the Order of St John but were ultimately defeated.
During British colonial rule, it became an important strategic base for the Royal Navy and the headquarters of the Mediterranean Fleet.
With its imposing fortifications and vast panorama, the Grand Harbour is still Malta’s most important maritime gateway and a popular port-of-call for ships cruising the Mediterranean Sea.
What are your memories of life around the Grand Harbour? We would love to hear from you.
