The Dark Side of Senglea
Hear tales of bloody murders, moving Madonnas, devastating dragons - and meet a mermaid
- Walking Tour
- 2 hrs
- Historic Setting
Secrets and Sorrows by the Sea
Senglea is one of the most densely populated parts of Malta – and where there’s people, there are dark tales to be told.
Within the city’s atmospheric streets there have been gruesome murders and a miraculous Madonna.
Strange thefts have occurred from the parish church, which was built by an architect who liked talking to the dead.
Senglea was badly affected on the day a dragon flew into the Grand Harbour and caused devastation, while mermaids have also been known to swim ashore to hide in Senglea’s caves.
The tour will also pass by the house where a young woman was brutally beheaded by her two lovers.
All this, and more, on The Dark Side of Senglea tour.
Please note this tour involves several stairs and requires at least average fitness.
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 tour takes place in the atmospheric streets of Sengela, an ancient city with a fascinating and bloody history.
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.
Limited Access
The tour contains several sets of stairs and is therefore only 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 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.