The Three Cities

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Cultural, Fortified, Distinct 

The Three Cities—Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla), and Bormla (Cospicua)—form a triad of historic harbour towns that together offer one of Malta’s richest and most atmospheric event destinations. Separated by narrow inlets and joined by history, they surround the Grand Harbour with stone bastions, domed churches, and intimate alleyways. While each city has its own identity, they collectively provide a unique blend of grandeur, authenticity, and flexibility for event planners seeking character-driven spaces and immersive guest experiences.

The Three Cities work especially well as a combined destination for multi-venue or multi-day events. Their proximity means guests can walk or boat between locations, with each city offering a different energy: Birgu is regal and museum-like, Senglea is romantic and quiet, and Bormla is grounded and communal. Together, they are a living museum of Maltese resilience, making them ideal for cultural events, international summits, heritage weddings, artistic residencies, and incentive travel rooted in place.

The Grand Harbour itself is the unifying thread, and many events use it to dramatic effect. Water taxis and chartered dgħajsa boats shuttle guests between venues, adding a cinematic quality to transitions. The Birgu Waterfront, with its luxury yachts and atmospheric restaurants, often serves as a social hub, ideal for welcome cocktails, evening banquets, or al fresco concerts. Meanwhile, Fort St. Angelo—rising at the tip of Birgu—is used for high-profile ceremonies, open-air galas, and military-themed commemorations.

Planners seeking a cultural programme can weave together site visits to the Malta Maritime Museum, Inquisitor’s Palace, and Gardjola Gardens, interspersed with heritage walking tours or culinary stops at family-owned restaurants. Events like art fairs, literary readings, or heritage symposiums can be spread across community centres, church courtyards, and converted naval warehouses, allowing guests to feel they are part of the city rather than mere visitors.

The Three Cities are also increasingly popular for weddings and vow renewals. Couples may opt for a ceremony in St. Lawrence’s Church in Birgu, a reception on a Senglea rooftop, and guest accommodation in Cugo Gran Macina or boutique properties within the walls of Bormla. These cities offer countless photo-worthy backdrops: arched streets, stone balconies, harbour sunsets, and timeless doorways dressed in flowers or flags.

While not suited to very large-scale conferences, the Three Cities shine in the small-to-medium segment: 20 to 200 guests looking for substance, story, and setting. Their collective appeal lies in their ability to deliver layered experiences—visual, historical, and emotional—all within a compact, walkable environment that feels both grand and grounded.

For event planners seeking a destination that combines spectacle and sincerity, the Three Cities offer unmatched depth. Whether you’re curating a heritage-inspired programme, an artistic residency, or a romantic gathering across multiple historic venues, this fortified trio delivers atmosphere, soul, and continuity at every step.