Valletta

A statue of Grandmaster Jean de Valette

The Dark History of Valletta

Dscover the darker side of Malta’s capital city. Hear of a 16th Century ghost who threw parties in the 1990s; learn the truth about Valletta’s namesake Jean de Valette; hear of Malta’s first ever transgender person, and discover why British sailors once wriggled through a large hook found in the city.

Law Courts of Malta

Stories of the Strange in Valletta

Discover the more unusual stories from Valletta’s past, like the city’s uncomfortable history with poo; the unusual rebels who tried to overthrow the Knights of Malta; the place where the plague of 1813 began; and learn the story of a British Army surgeon who came to Malta while hiding an incredible secret.

The highly-decorated baroque interior of St John's Co-Cathedral

Secrets of St John’s Co-Cathedral

Uncover the stories and symbols hidden within one of Tripadvisor’s Top 25 attractions in Europe. Discover messages left for you by the Knights of Malta from beyond their graves; see two Caravaggio paintings and discover the strange reason why this unforgettable church is a “co-cathedral”.

Mysteries in a Valletta Monastery

Take a tour around the Mysterium Fidei Museum, part of the cloistered St Catherine’s monastery. This intimate tour will show you where the nuns live, reveal the truth behind the monastery’s “control rooms” and lead you into the candlelit crypt where you’ll be told of the rituals surrounding its death bed.

A view of the large, circular Mosta dome basilica. Pic by Tony Hisgett under Creative Commons 2.0

Book a Private Tour

Want to experience the rich history of the Maltese islands? Book a private tour for any of the dark history walks, or for a family-friendly trip covering Malta’s many highlights. This can include visits to the megalithic temples, the ancient city of Mdina, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and the sleepy charms of the island of Gozo.