Città Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, is one of the oldest fortified cities on the island. From the Phoenicians and Byzantines to the Greeks and Romans, and later, the Order of the Knights of St John, this little city has seen and experienced it all. Rich in history and waiting to be explored, I took a trip down to the former capital city to visit the wonderful, peaceful backstreets of Vittoriosa.

1. Triq Desain

One of the streets just off the main square, Triq Desain is a little street with a few pubs and a band club on either side. The ramp adorned with plants connects this street to one of the most important streets in Birgu, Triq il-Mina Kbira, and the neighbouring backstreets.

2. Triq il-Mina Kbira

Considered one of the most important streets in Birgu, Triq il-Mina Kbira accommodates the early modern period’s Inquisitor’s Palace, which is one of the last surviving of its kind. The street is full of traditional houses and balconies in particular, all in different colours.

3. Triq Nofs in-Nhar

Right round the corner from the Inquisitor’s Palace, this quiet street embodies the traditional Maltese house decor, with coloured balconies and doors, and potted plants in the street, truly giving it a homey feel.

4. Triq il-Lbiċ

A quaint little alley that narrowly winds off from Triq Nofs in-Nhar. Giuseppe Frendo, a renowned composer, lived in this street in his childhood. He founded a mandolin ensemble in this cultural city that later inaugurated the Maltese National Anthem at the Manoel Theatre.

5. Triq il-Majjistral

A lovely, tiered street used many a time during the Great Siege of 1565. At the top of the alley, just beside a beautiful balcony, is a niċċa (a niche), with a statue of what seems to be Mary Mother of God.

6. Triq Paċifiku Scicluna

This street is named after Maltese musician Paċifiku Scicluna. It's home to an abandoned building which used to be the Executioner’s House, as well as a fantastic local restaurant called Tal-Petut – talk about opposites!

7. Triq il-Lunzjata

With a view of the Annunciation Church at the bottom, this street is famous for one reason. On the left, you'll find an old house where politician and former Prime Minister Paul Boffa was born in 1890. Look closely for the plaque commemorating his birth and death dates on the house.

8. Triq il-Palazz tal-Isqof

Triq il-Palazz tal-Isqof (Archbishop’s Palace Street) is a long and winding residential street, with beautiful blue traditional balconies. It is known that Malta had 62 inquisitors, 22 of which became cardinals, and two became popes: Pope Alexander VII and Pope Innocent XII.

9. Triq Ġilormu Cassar

This narrowly tiered street is named after Ġilormu Cassar, a renowned architect and military engineer during the Order of the Knights of St John. He was involved in the construction of Valletta, as well as designing various public, religious, and private buildings in Valletta, including Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace in St George’s Square and the auberges.

10. Triq Hilda Tabone

Hilda Tabone was a locally and internationally renowned soprano, who lived a short yet marvellous life performing in various operas in Malta and Paris. This street is one of the most famous backstreets of Birgu, which used to be the life of the city with about 23 stores in the street alone. This street brings the journey through Birgu full circle, leading back to the main square.