Nearby Attractions
A labyrinth of narrow streets - 58 of them , all webbing into each other, many with granite steps, lead down to the waterfront. Hints of the affluence and grandeur showered on Vittoriosa centuries ago shows through.
Steeped in History
The City, immersed in heritage, is in itself an open-air museum. So much to see in such a small triangular walled peninsula: Monolithic military fortifications that wall the city; ornate medieval palaces; vast friaries and rambling nunneries; spectacular Renaissance churches; watchtowers and forts, including that of St. Angelo, which helped defeat an invading Ottoman fleet in 1556; Notre Dame Gate; the Norman House; the Parish Church Museum; the Parish Church of St. Lawrence; the Auberge d'Angleterre; the Sacra Infermeria Church; the traditional Vittoriosa Market; Il Collachio; the olive trees at Porte de Provence; the Annunciation Church, the Inquisitor's Palace; the Malta Maritime Museum; the Vittoriosa 1565 Museum; the Malta at War Museum and its the underground wartime shelters; the City's Entrance: Couvre Porte; the Palace of the General of the Galleys on the Vittoriosa waterfront; Victory Square; the Church Close and St. Joseph’s Oratory; the Freedom Monument; the Church of the Annunciation, and the Bishop’s Palace which was built in 1452.
The Vittoriosa Waterfront
Within a pleasant five minute walk from Kwartier Suite, you will find yourself on a beautiful promenade where you can relax, get on your boat, enjoy a brisk walk or admire the breathtaking views starting all the way from Kalkara Creek round to St Angelo Fortifications and into the awesome Cottonera Marina and the Palace of the General of the Galleys. Whether rain or shine, the promenade offers spectacular scenery as well seaside cafes and restaurants. You can literally walk all the way round the peninsular three cities from Kalkara, to Vittoriosa, to Cospicua and onto the Senglea promenade. You can also take a romantic water taxi across the Harbour to Valletta and back.
Birgu by Candlelight
During Birgufest, thousands of candles and torches light up the historic fortified harbour town, giving visitors a glimpse of what the place would have been like before the advent of electricity.
Every year BirguFest aims to focus on the city’s historic heritage and architectural beauty and over the years it has developed into a national event, where thousands of people roam through the narrow and winding streets of this gem of a fortified City. The historic re-enactments, traditional music, choirs, museums, Churches and Auberges contribute to one of the most memorable events in the cultural Maltese calendar. However, the highlight of this event, is surely, the magical Birgu By Candlelight on Saturday, where all the streets and houses of this magnificent City are lit by thousands of candles, surely adding a romantic touch to this city’s historical ambience.
Why relocate to Vittoriosa?
This is where visiting dignitaries, bishops, diplomatas, Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, traders, friars, prostitutes, paupers, courtesans, tavern keepers and later, British admirals, naval officers, seamen and the appointees of successive governing empires once lived. Today, it is a small community of only about 3,500 people, where many know each other by name or by nickname. It is a town full of idyllic pedestrian streets where you can experience authentic Maltese village life right at your doorstep. As you walk through these streets around noon, different food aromas waft up from the windows nearby signalling the approach to lunchtime. Kwartier Suite, is only a few metres away from shops, winebars, restaurants and marina. A taxi boat to Valletta and the Bus Terminus in only an 8-minute walk away. Birgu happens to have a council which really works hard and encourages the city dwellers to be proud of their city. It is a dream of a place.
Restaurants, Cafes & Entertainment
You can get the best of both worlds in Citta' Vittoriosa (Birgu). Kwartier Suite is in a central yet quite pedestrian street. Closeby, on the other hand you will find a city bustling with life both day and night. Numerous shops, elegant cafes', restaurants, wine bars both on the waterfront side and within the city walls themselves.