It may be hard to believe now, but Malta once had at least one cinema in every town! And though their lights have been out for decades, these eight cinematic treasures around Malta were the highlight of the town back in the day.

1. Coliseum, Valletta

This cinema was quite a small screening location. Interestingly, the Queen of England - back then still a princess - picked this very theatre to watch a film during her time here! Nowadays, the locations houses Ranieri Café.

2. Harding’s Cinematograph, Valletta

Harding screened films for public viewing from 1897 in Valletta, where nowadays the Marks and Spencer store stands. He also had another cinema with the same name in Sliema.

3. Majestic Theatre, Sliema

Previously named Harding’s Cinematograph, Majestic formed part of the now-Plaza Shopping Complex in St Anne’s Square. An imposing, all-American façade is all that remains of the former cinema.

4. Comet, Floriana

Just like the Coliseum, the Comet was a small cinema, which later changed its name to ABC Cinema in 1961.

5. Cinema Salinos, Valletta

Cinema Salinos was a grand cinematograph in Valletta’s prominent Republic street, and many flocked to see films on the big screen here. It was part of the Casino Maltese, which still stands today.

6. Savoy Cinema, Valletta

Another prime location in Valletta’s Republic Street which opened in 1962, Savoy Cinema was the place to be. It was closed in 1987 and turned into a shopping mall.

7. Plaza Cinema, Zurrieq

Dating from the mid-1930s, this cinema was used as a recording studio after the cinema was no longer in use. Nowadays it serves as an art and décor studio.

8. Radio City Hall, Hamrun

Radio City was inaugurated just as the Second World War ended. In 1957 it was a cinema for the locals, but nowadays it is used as the Malta Labour Party headquarters after being demolished in 1992, retaining the theatre’s old front door.

Want to know more about old cinemas around Malta? Find out about more gems of the island's cinematic past here.