The Dark History of Valletta
Discover stories of murder, ghosts and crimes of passion from Malta's capital city
The Dark History of Valletta
- Walking Tour
- 2 hrs
- Historic Setting
Take a Journey into a City’s Shadows
Valletta is an old city, with dark stories hiding in its shadows.
This walking tour begins at the Triton Fountain at the entrance to Valletta and will teach you the truth about the city’s shocking and bloody past.
You’ll discover the truth about Jean de Valette, the founder of Malta’s capital – and how he didn’t actually like Malta.
You’ll also discover how the ghost of 16th Century knight Oliver Starkey haunted a house in the 1990s, and how he’s still causing trouble there today.
You’ll also hear the shocking letter a lovesick man sent to the woman he was obsessed with, shortly before he murdered her, and learn why hundreds of boys entered a church – but didn’t come out alive.
All this, and more, on The Dark History of Valletta tour.
Please note that Valletta has hills and steps so a reasonable amount of fitness is required
What to Expect
Horrible Histories
Dark Malta Tours tell true stories of murder, crime, witchcraft, tragedy and naughty behaviour from across Malta's history.
Historic Setting
The setting for this walking tour will be Malta's picturesque and historic capital city Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Professional Guide
The tour will be conducted by Mario, a tourist guide and ex-BBC journalist who studies the darker side of Malta's history.
Tour Access
This walk contains some steps and is suitable for people who have average fitness and mobility.
Payments
Payment can be made by credit card in advance to secure your booking, or in cash or Revolut at the start of the tour.
Contact
Ask for more information or make a booking on +356 99892628 or click the icon above to send an email.
Tour Meeting Point
Book now and discover Malta's dark history!
Experience Other Dark Malta Tours
Hear more horrible history stories from around the Maltese islands
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.
Mysteries and Histories of Mdina
Wander through the charming streets of medieval Mdina and see the exact place where a huge treasure hoard was uncovered; learn why priests were once beaten up at the cathedral, hear about a heartbroken ghost, and find out why a woman was once whipped on a donkey through Mdina’s streets.
Witchcraft and Blood in Birgu
Birgu is an ancient city where you’ll find stories of magic, curses, spells and witchcraft trials. It’s also the site of Malta’s biggest-ever explosion, the place where torture was carried out by the Inquisition, where a priest murdered his lover, and ghosts still roam the palazzos and forts.
The Dark Side of Senglea
Senglea is the scene of bloody murders and moving Madonnas, of dragons and mermaids, and the place where jealous lovers took their terrible revenge. Walk these narrow, atmospheric streets and enjoy stunning views of the Grand Harbour while hearing about Senglea’s dark and fascinating past.
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.
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.
Dark Tales in an Mdina Palazzo
Gain rare access to an exquisite Mdina palazzo and discover strange stories from its fascinating past. You’ll touch a piece of the True Cross as certified by a Pope, see tiny rooms where slaves slept and the place where legend has it a French solider was beaten to death. The tour will end with drinks on either the roof or in the stunning drawing room.
Tales of Torture in Mdina Dungeons
Take a guided tour around Mdina Dungeons at night and hear tales of terror and trauma from Malta’s horrible histories. Examine lifelike displays showing torture, witches, plague victims and more, while hearing blood-curdling stories of these brutal, true moments from history.
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.
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