Birgu (Vittoriosa)

Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, is an old fortified city on the south side of the Grand Harbour in the Port Region of Malta. The city occupies a promontory of land with Fort Saint Angelo at its head and the city of Cospicua at its base. Birgu is ideally situated for safe anchorage, and over time it has developed a very long history with maritime, mercantile and military activities. The city was fortified in the 1530s and strengthened in the 1550s in preparation for an attack by the Ottoman Empire. Birgu was the site of major battles between the Knights and the Ottoman Empire during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. The city has a rich history, with various cultures contributing to its development, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, the Angevines, the Aragonese and the Order of Saint John. Today, Birgu is a popular destination for those interested in history, architecture and culture