On the other side of the Grand Harbour from Valletta, are the historic fortified towns referred to as the three cities. Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, built by the Grandmasters Cottoner, have a unique charm and character that distinguish them from all other towns in Malta, including Mdina and Valletta.

Older than Valletta, the three cities were home to the first knights. Fort St.Angelo which was built around 12th century AD, was the headquarters of the Knights until Valletta was built. In Vittoriosa (better known as Birgu), you will find the residences of many of the well known knights. Here you will also find the Maritime Museum, housed in a former naval bakery, and the Folk museum in the Inquisitors Palace, the former seat of the Inquisition in Malta.

These museums are worth a visit as they hold many interesting artifacts and specimens of the Knights of St. John.

In Cospicua [Bormla] you will find a magnificent Parish Church, with its Oratory full of unique masterpieces, the Cottonera line and the St. Clements Retrenchment.