Great Siege of Malta & the Knights of St. John

The basics

Visitors can explore the exhibition themselves or with audio guides for navigation and background information. The displays revolve around a walk-through of dioramas that depict the events of the Great Siege, which is aligned with the words of the Spanish poet Francesco Balbi, who was an eyewitness to the breaking of the siege in September 1565. Visitors can also learn about the Knights of St. John, who arrived in Malta in 1530 and repelled the prolonged Ottoman bombardment of the Grand Harbour 35 years later, before going on to build Valletta. Videos of battle reconstructions, multimedia displays, and light and sound effects add to the experience.

Things to know before you go

• The Great Siege and Knights of St. John exhibition will appeal to history buffs and first-time visitors to Malta.

• Some videos show battle scenes, so parents should consider if they’re suitable for younger children.

• Audio guides are available in 10 languages.

How to get there

The exhibition is located on Republic Square in central Valletta. As the local streets are pedestrianized, visitors arrive on foot. From Valletta’s main bus terminal at the Triton Fountain, make the 10-minute walk through the City Gate and along Republic Street to the square. You can also catch the #133 bus from the terminal to Valletta’s Nawfragju stop; the square is a short stroll away via Old Theatre Street. Drivers will find parking near the Triton Fountain.

When to get there

The venue is open daily from morning to evening. It's usually uncrowded, and can be a cool retreat from Valletta’s heat in the summer. To avoid any lines, arrive near the opening or closing times.

What to see and do nearby

One of Valletta’s most beautiful squares, Republic Square—home to the Great Siege exhibition and a number of open-air eateries—is overlooked by the city’s Grandmaster’s Palace, the handsome Bibliotheca (Malta’s National Library) and a statue of Queen Victoria, placed here in 1891. Take a stroll to admire them all before indulging in a meal and people-watching at one of the square’s buzzing cafés.