After visiting the islands for over four decades I'm always on the hunt for new experiences!
I can't tell you how excited I was to find the Underground Valletta Tour. I've explored every nook and cranny of this breath-taking Unesco World Heritage site city, and now I had the opportunity to discover what lay beneath.
Offered by Heritage Malta the tour is described as "A unique experience of defence and survival."
I planned my visit for early on a Sunday morning, allowing me then the full day to linger and meander around the intriguing grid of streets above ground in this fascinating city.
The meeting point is MUŻA the National Museum of Art which you can find at the very top of Merchants Street (The Castille Square end). Muza is the Maltese word for "inspire" and as you meet 30 minutes prior to the tour start time, you have a little time to wander around the truly inspirational exhibits and exhibitions.
Tour group sizes are understandably small, capped at just 15 for this tour, therefore I'd encourage you to reserve your spot early.
Before you descend into the depths, you must take part in a safety briefing, and this is when you are adorned with your headwear! A hair net, hard hat and head torch!
Sensible shoes are an absolute must, if they aren't deemed sensible by your guide you won't be allowed to proceed. I'd recommend trainers or walking shoes/boots and dark in colour rather than light. It's not overly chilly down there, but a light jacket or shirt will suffice (I visited in November but it was unseasonably warm)
The history of these tunnels goes much further back than the 19th century though. Valletta was originally founded as a fortress by the Knights of St John before it became the city we know today. Valletta's underground was it's lifeline, allowing the stealth movement of troops, it was also a huge storage for grain, it provided water and drainage, both vital for the survival of the city under siege, but also during peace time.
Centuries later, a whole new need for the extension of these tunnels began. 17,000 tonnes of bombs were dropped over Malta during The Second World War, and this forced the population of Valletta to move underground into a dense network of shelters - the only way to survive the incessant attacks which had they stayed above ground would surely have led to certain death.
This is a true "tale of desperation, and resistance"
I'm not going to give too much away about the tour, for me the intrigue and mystery of the route was a massive part of the experience. Trust me you'll be so surprised at your entry and exit points!
I'm an empathetic person, so I found the tour quite emotional in areas, but the bravery of the Maltese during this horrific time is truly inspirational. I knew of but didn't fully comprehend the horror and the hardships endured by the islanders during the never ending aerial attacks by the Axis Forces in the Second World War.
Even if you history isn't your thing, this is a super cool thing to do!
I'm adding more images and a video to my Facebook page too if you'd like more than just a glimpse of this tour.
It's extremely reasonably priced for such a unique experience,
Adults (18+): €15.00
Senior Citizens (60+): €10.00
Concessions & Students: €10.00
Youths (12-17): €10.00
Children (6-11): €10.00
Children under 6 years of age cannot be admitted to Underground Valletta. Children who are between 6 – 11 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Not recommended for anyone with mobility issues.
Tours to Underground Valletta take place at 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm on Mondays,
Wednesdays and Sundays, and the tours are given in English only.
Allow around 1.5-2 hours for the whole experience.
You can secure your own spot here
I absolutely adored this tour, and I was utterly enthralled throughout.
Valletta, absolutely cannot be fully appreciated if you don't experience this labyrinth which lies beneath it.