Where to Visit in Malta - The Maritime Museum

Malta Maritime History

The Maritime Museum charts Malta’s maritime history within a Mediterranean context and also illustrates the global nature of seafaring and its impact on society. The Museum is situated within the former British Naval Bakery in Vittoriosa. The building was erected between 1842 and 1845 on the site of the old covered slipway of the Knights of St John.

The bakery was the hub of the Victualling Yard and supplied the Royal Navy with its daily requirements of bread and biscuits. After World War II it was converted into offices and stores and as the headquarters of the Admiralty Constabulary. The building remained part of the naval establishment up to the closure of the British base in 1979.

At the entrance of the Museum, one may view the ‘Anadrian Hall’ which exhibits the engine room machinery of the Anadrian, which was a steam- driven grab dredger built in 1951 for Malta. The first floor houses a display on the Merchant Navy and exhibits a collection of detailed ship replicas and paintings illustrating 19th and 20th century vessels most of which served on the Malta run. The nearby St Angelo Hall, the museum’s events and lecture room, is decorated with an array of colourful ship badges.

Organised into thematic and chronological sectors, the Main Hall illustrates developments from ancient times to the end of the rule of the Order of St John in Malta. Navigational charts, nautical instruments and a series of portraits set the scene for the navy of the Order of St John. This display includes paintings, weapons, uniforms, anchors, maps, models and other artefacts dating from 1530 to 1798. An entire room is dedicated to traditional Maltese sea crafts and other objects that indicate popular traditions and Malta’s long-standing maritime vocation. In the Customs Hall there is a variety of standard weights and measures and other objects, including the uniform of an inspector of Marine Police, which bear witness to the importance of Malta’s historic links with maritime commerce and traffic.

For almost two hundred years, Malta was the home of the British Mediterranean fleet. The Royal Navy kept a vast establishment on the Maltese Islands. The final hall presents an overview of Malta as a naval base, and depicts aspects of naval and civilian life, both leisure and work. There is also a wide collection of paintings, photographs, models, uniforms, weapons, instruments and other artefacts that illustrate the history of the Royal Navy in the Mediterranean during the 19th and 20th centuries and attest to the Navy’s impact on the economy and social life on the Maltese islands.

Should you wish to visit the Malta Maritime Museum during your holidays kindly contact the transport desk at this Luxury Malta Hotel on transport@excelsior.com.mt. Alternatively you may wish to experience one of our unique Malta Tours. 

Things to do In Malta - BIRGUFEST

Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, is a town situated on a peninsula in Malta’s natural harbour. Throughout Maltese history, Birgu can easily claim to have been the Island’s former maritime capital. Birgu is located in the southern part of Malta forming part of the Three Cities which is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Birgu, Cospicua and Senglea.

Of the Three Cities, Birgu is the oldest and takes primacy over the others as it stands on one of the first inhabited sites in the Grand Harbour.

Birgu played a key role in Maltese history, and its importance peaked during the Order of the Knights’ period. It achieved resounding fame during the Great Siege, which marked the Order’s first significant land victory in its five hundred years of existence. It was on this occasion that Birgu earned its name Vittoriosa meaning victorious.

During the Second World War, Birgu, like the other places on the harbour, was submitted to unceasing air attacks. Destruction was widespread with more than 60% of its buildings were wiped out. Churches, palaces and houses lay in ruins after the devastating attacks.

Now Birgu is a tourist attraction with lots of history to discover and one of the most famous Yacht Marinas in Europe. The historic Vittoriosa Waterfront contains the former Palace of the General of the Galleys and the Order of St John’s treasury. The area was refurbished in the early 2000s, and both buildings are used for other activities: the former is now a casino, while the latter is home to the Malta Maritime Museum. A second museum, the Vittoriosa 1565 Museum, is also located in the own and is dedicated to the siege and the battle in 1565.

This year the Birgufest will once again host locals and visitors alike, for another edition of the candle lit magical evening, together with a variety of traditional music, choirs, local and foreign bands. For the young at heart, concerts by renowned local bands will rock the main square of Birgu on Friday and while on Saturday the people of all ages can relax to a concert of mixed music including jazz.

If you would like to immerse yourself into the rich history of Malta and learn more about old Maltese traditions and customs then the Birgu Festival is one that you would not want to miss! Join thousands of others and head to Vittoriosa for this fascinating festival which will be held on the 19th-20th of October 2012.

Should you wish to experience this event kindly contact our transport desk on transport@excelsior.com.mt and they will organise your transfers. And for more information on Things to do in Malta during your holidays kindly contact the concierge desk at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta.