Scandal and DisOrder: Dark Knights in Valletta
Discover dirty deeds by naughty Knights, prostitutes who became rich nuns, and a pharmacist who tortured her slaves
- Walking Tour
- 2 hrs
- 16+ Only
Horny Knights and Scandalous Behaviour
Discover the titillating truth about the naughty knights of the Order of St John and the people they ruled over.
This tour begins in the square next to The Malta Experience on the tip of Valletta, and takes in the back streets and alleys of this charming city that has a saucy past.
Please note: Adult themes of a sexual nature are discussed throughout, so a minimum age of 16 is required to attend.
You’ll discover stories of the sex lives of these rich, bored knights and hear the stories of former prostitutes who became rich nuns but then sometimes failed to leave bad habits behind.
Hear about the female pharmacist who used witchcraft to seduce rich men and who would have her slaves hung upside down and tortured.
Learn the instructions given to prostitutes by the authorities in the 17th and 18th centuries, and how the knights would bend their own rules to bed the women they fancied.
The tour will finish in St George’s Square in front of the Grand Master’s Palace, where you’ll learn why a stone column once stood there, which showed a wolf having a poo.
All this, and more, on the Scandal and DisOrder tour.
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
This walking tour explores back streets in the south of Malta's historic capital 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.
Flexible Access
The tour includes some walking, a few steps and is suitable for people of 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
Experience Other Dark Tours
Hear more dark history stories from around the Maltese Islands
The Dark History of Valletta
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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.
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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”.
Scandal and DisOrder: Dark Knights in Valletta
This tour reveals the titillating truth about the Knights of Malta and the people they ruled over. Uncover the sex lives of these rich, bored knights; hear of the ex-prostitutes who became nuns, and of the female pharmacist who personally tortured her slaves.
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.