The Great Siege of Malta 1565

One inescapable fact about Malta is the Great Siege, an episode of history that shaped Malta and changed it forever. The Great Siege of 1565, a walk-through event, brings to life many aspects of this four- month-long battle over Malta. It is also one of the first historical spectacles which highlights the role of the Maltese population under siege. You will see that heroism, hope and resilience come in all sizes and shapes! The Great Siege was as much a war on a large scale of the invading Ottomans against the Knights of the Order of St John, as it was against the population of Malta. Women and children played an equally important role in the struggle to survive this onslaught.

During an intensive 25 minutes you will have the unique experience of visiting Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette at Fort St Angelo who is preparing for the invasion; to enter the Topkapi Palace at Istanbul and discover the intrigue behind the invasion; admire Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his harem; experience the life on board of a Turkish galley; smell the fear in the ditch of Fort St Elmo and admire the resistance of the Maltese in this magnificent struggle.

The Great Siege is a walk-through event based on the eye-witness account of Francisco Balbi di Correggio, a poet and soldier who fought with the Spanish Corps during the Great Siege of 1565. It is, besides irresistibly entertaining, also respectful to the history of the event, educational and informative. The Great Siege show is rated PG (parental guidance necessary, as there may be some scenes of violence).

After the show, please visit our Café Premier for a refreshing drink. Every day we are offering our thirsty travellers a free gift at Café Premier. Please present your fully paid ticket when ordering at Cafe Premier to benefit from this special offer.
Location: Valletta centre
Getting there: There are frequent direct bus routes to Valletta.

From the Valletta Waterfront: On foot, by bus, taxi or horse-drawn carriage.

The Great Siege of Malta within the Café Premier complex, Republic Square, Republic Street, in the heart of Valletta.

The show can be enjoyed through an audio-visual presentation in 10 languages (English, Maltese, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch, Swedish, Russian and Japanese).