Witchcraft and Blood in Birgu
Learn ancient spells and torture techniques, and hear of macabre murders in one of Malta’s oldest cities
- Walking Tour
- 2 hrs
- Historic Setting
Witches, Ghosts and Tales of Torture
Birgu is much older than Malta’s capital Valletta, and is a place filled with stories of torture, witchcraft, crime and ghosts.
Many people practised witchcraft in Malta through the 16th-18th centuries, and this walking tour will reveal some of the spells that were once cast on the island, incantations and rituals to make someone fall in love with you, or throw a curse on your ex, or to cure you of feeling fear.
During the tour you’ll also learn the tragic stories behind the ghosts that roam the city’s palazzos and fortifications, and you’ll see the church said to have been visited by the Devil himself.
You’ll also see the site of Malta’s biggest-ever explosion, the house where the executioner of Malta once lived, and you’ll be told why a priest once murdered his lover on her doorstep.
All this, and more, on the Witchcraft and Blood in Birgu 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 tour will be in Birgu, a picturesque city with narrow streets and ancient architecture that's older than Valletta.
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 is suitable for people of average fitness and ability. Please get in touch if you have mobility requirements.
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
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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.
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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.