Location

Birgu

The IBB Hotel Palazzo Bettina Malta is located in Birgu, also referred to as Vittoriosa, and is the oldest of a part of Malta referred to as the three cities, which also consist of Senglea and Cospicua. These are three fortified towns built in very close proximity to each other around the Grand Harbour and are steeped in history.

It is located right across the harbour from Valletta, facing Malta’s capital city south-facing side and after the Great Siege of 1565, an important milestone in the history of Malta, the town was awarded the title Città Vittoriosa after withstanding the brutal attacks of the Ottoman invaders. Birgu was also the headquarters of the Knights of St Johns, to whom the alternative name of the city Vittoriosa is owed. It served as the capital city of Malta between 1530 and 1571 until Valletta was built.

Nowadays Birgu is home to a population of almost 3,000 citizens and has developed into a high-profile historical showcase of Maltese tradition that carries Medieval nostalgia across its narrow winding streets, alleyways, and converted townhouses. Wine bars, tiny, elegant restaurants, and the Birgu waterfront have brought new life to the small city.