An Honest Review of the Three Cities Walking Tour & Inquisitor’s Palace (2025)

So, you’re looking at Malta and, you know, wondering what to do beyond the usual spots. We had that exact thought. Valetta is, of course, absolutely amazing, but you get this feeling that there’s a different kind of story just across the harbor. That is that curiosity which led us to book the ‘Three Cities Walking Tour’. Basically, this experience promised a look into Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, with a visit to the Inquisitor’s Palace thrown in. Honestly, the idea of walking through streets that have seen so much history was just too good to pass up. We really wanted something that felt a bit more grounded, you know, away from the biggest crowds. This tour seemed to fit the bill pretty much perfectly.

First Steps: Kicking Off the Tour

Alright, so the morning of the tour started out really clear and sunny. Our meeting spot was, you know, easy to find, and our guide introduced himself straight away with a super friendly attitude. The group size was actually kind of perfect, not too big, so it felt more personal, in a way. We kicked things off in Cospicua, which, to be honest, I knew the least about. The guide immediately started pointing out things we would have just walked past. For example, he showed us these old markers on the walls. He explained that this area was rebuilt quite a bit, so you have this mix of old and newer stonework, which is sort of interesting when you look for it. It’s almost like the city is telling you its life story through its buildings. At the end of the day, it was a very gentle start, just getting our bearings and listening to the first layer of history.

The first part of the walk through Cospicua was surprisingly quiet and, you know, a bit residential. Unlike the main streets of Valletta, it was more or less just us and a few locals going about their day. Actually, that was one of my favorite parts. It didn’t feel like a typical tourist machine; it was, like, a real place. The guide gave us some background on the fortifications and the docks, which are, you know, a huge part of this area’s identity. Seriously, you can just feel the maritime history around you. He told a few stories about the city’s role with the Knights and later the British, and it all started to click into place. Anyway, it set the stage really well for what was to come in the next city, Vittoriosa.

Wandering Through Vittoriosa’s Ancient Streets

So, walking into Vittoriosa, or Birgu as the locals call it, feels a bit like stepping through a time portal. I mean, the streets get noticeably narrower here, and the old limestone buildings seem to lean in and whisper to you. Our guide led us away from the main square at first, into this, like, web of tiny alleys called ‘collacchio’. These were the streets where the Knights of St. John actually lived. It’s almost completely silent in there, except for our footsteps on the stone. You just feel the centuries of history in the air, you know? It’s pretty easy to imagine knights in armor walking these same paths. It’s frankly one of the most atmospheric places I’ve ever been to.

As a matter of fact, our guide was brilliant here. Instead of just listing dates, he told us the story of the Great Siege of 1565 in a way that was seriously gripping. He pointed to a specific building and said, basically, “that’s where a cannonball hit, but it didn’t explode.” You could still sort of see the spot. It makes history feel very real, right? He talked about how this tiny city held out against an enormous invading force. At the end of the day, it’s a story of unbelievable resilience. He made us stop at a little viewpoint looking out at the water and just take it all in. Honestly, standing there, you could almost hear the echoes of the past.

The Vibe of the City

Okay, the vibe in Vittoriosa is definitely unique. On one hand, you have this really profound sense of history that’s, like, everywhere you look. Yet, on the other hand, it’s a living city. We saw laundry hanging from balconies and residents chatting in their doorways, which I really loved. It felt very authentic, in a way. The guide pointed out a local bakery, and the smell of fresh bread was, you know, absolutely amazing. It’s those little details that actually make an experience like this special. You’re not just looking at a museum piece; you’re walking through a community. To be honest, this was probably my favorite of the three cities, just because of that perfect blend of past and present.

The Views from Senglea and the Gardjola Gardens

Next, we headed over to the third city, Senglea, which is just across a small inlet from Vittoriosa. This part of the tour, frankly, is all about the view. We walked up to the Gardjola Gardens, a little park perched right on the tip of the peninsula. And wow, honestly, the panoramic view from there is just spectacular. You can see back across the Grand Harbour to Vittoriosa and get this incredible perspective of Valletta’s skyline. You could probably spend an hour there just taking pictures. Our guide, you know, gave us plenty of time to just soak it all in, which was much appreciated. It’s one of those moments where you really understand the strategic importance of this whole area.

The main attraction in the gardens is, basically, this old watchtower, or ‘gardjola’. It’s pretty iconic. The guide pointed out that it’s decorated with carvings of an eye, an ear, and a nose. The idea, sort of, was that these symbols represented the need for the guards to be ever-watchful over the harbor. It’s a really cool detail. As we were standing there, a massive cruise ship was slowly making its way into the harbor, and it gave you a real sense of scale. I mean, the contrast between our ancient watchtower and that modern ship was kind of wild. It’s a spot that’s as beautiful as it is, you know, historically significant.

Inside the Inquisitor’s Palace: A Step Back in Time

Finally, we reached what was for me, basically, the main event: the Inquisitor’s Palace in Vittoriosa. From the outside, it just looks like another one of the city’s grand old buildings. But once you step inside, the atmosphere completely changes. To be honest, it becomes very quiet and a little bit somber. The guide gave us an introduction before we explored, explaining what the Inquisition was and the role this palace played for nearly 200 years. You definitely feel the weight of that history as you cross the threshold. It’s one thing to read about these things, but it’s another thing entirely to stand in the place where they actually happened, you know?

Actually, walking through the palace is a really moving experience. You get to see the main tribunal hall, with its imposing judge’s seat, where people’s fates were decided. The guide pointed out some of the architectural details that were designed to, you know, intimidate the accused. But the part that really stays with you is seeing the prison cells. They are small, dark, and carved with graffiti from prisoners who were held there centuries ago. I mean, it’s incredibly powerful. You can almost feel the coldness of the stone and the silence. Seriously, it’s not a lighthearted visit, but it’s an absolutely fascinating and important look into a darker side of European history. It gives you a much fuller picture of Malta’s complex past.

Was It Worth It? My Real Take and Some Tips

So, at the end of the day, was this walking tour a good choice? For me, it was an absolute yes. If you are someone who, like, genuinely enjoys history and wants to understand Malta on a deeper level, this is for you. It’s obviously great for people who don’t mind walking a fair bit, as you are on your feet for a few hours. On the other hand, I’d say if you have really small children or have some trouble with mobility, you might find the cobblestones and all the walking a little challenging. It’s a tour that, frankly, rewards your curiosity and attention with some really amazing stories and sights. It’s just not a passive, sit-on-a-bus kind of experience.

Just a few practical things to keep in mind if you go. As I was saying before, you need to wear really comfortable shoes. Seriously, this is a non-negotiable; your feet will thank you. In fact, bringing a bottle of water is also a smart idea, especially if it’s a warm day. The Maltese sun is pretty strong. And of course, listen closely to your guide. They share so many little details and stories that you would absolutely miss if you were just wandering around by yourself. It’s those personal touches that, you know, really make the tour what it is. It’s a fantastic way to spend a morning and see a side of Malta that feels wonderfully timeless and authentic.

Read our full review: [Three Cities Walking Tour incl. entrance to Inquisitor’s palace Full Review and Details]

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