Birgu is a historic city on the Grand Harbor, one of the largest bays in Malta. It is famous for its perfectly preserved fortifications and monuments related to the Order of St. John.
The city was founded in the 16th century and has been successively fortified by the Knights of St. John. The mighty Fort Saint Angelo at the end of the headland is the best example of these fortifications. To this day, it is an extraterritorial property of the Order of Malta. The city also has the 18th century Fort San Salvatore and well-preserved defensive walls.
In the center of the city stands the Renaissance Inquisitor's Palace, which in the past was a prison for apostates from the faith, courtrooms and the seat of the inquisitor. The original wall decorations have survived to this day, and in some of the rooms the old furnishings have been restored. It also houses the National Museum of Ethnography and the residence of the Prime Minister of Malta.
The most important temple of Birgu is the domed Baroque Church of St. Lawrence. In the city, you can also visit interesting museums such as the War Museum and the Maritime Museum of Malta.
