Heritage Malta is organising a heritage trail within the fortified city of Senglea. This is another cultural event which is being offered by Heritage Malta to increase awareness of Malta’s rich cultural heritage.

‘Exploring Historic Senglea’ Heritage Tour will commence from in front of the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu. From there, participants will cross the harbour on board traditional Maltese boats towards Senglea. Once on shore, those present will be guided through the narrow roads of Senglea.

The tour will include visits to historical monuments and buildings built during and after the Knights of St John. The tour will end with a boat ride back across the harbour to the Malta Maritime Museum where refreshments will be served. An informative display on model making and literature will also be on display within the museum.

Overlooking the Grand Harbour and Valletta, Senglea is almost entirely surrounded by the Grand Harbour. The name of the city, Senglea, derives from the Grandmaster who developed it into a fortified town, Claude De La Sengle. He took office in 1553 and commissioned a military engineer, Nicola Bellavanti, to develop and fortify the peninsula. Due to its resistance to the Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of 1565, Senglea has been titled as ‘Civitas Invicta’.

During World War II the city was heavily bombarded by enemy airplanes. Historical buildings, many lives and possessions were lost. The imposing basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Victories was destroyed during brutal air strikes such as those on HMS Illustrious, berthed in French Creek, on 16 January 1941.

‘Exploring Historic Senglea’ Heritage Tour will be held on Friday, the 31st of August. Those attending this event are asked to gather near the Malta Maritime Museum in Birgu at 6.30pm.

Tickets for this event are priced at €12 for adults and €10 for Heritage Malta members, senior citizens, and children under 12. Tickets can be purchased from all of Heritage Malta’s sites and museums prior to the event.

For further information, please telephone Heritage Malta on 23954242.

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