Overview
Step back through the mists of time as you drive to the fortress of Cottonera which is widely known as the Three Cities, these being Vittoriosa, Cospicua & Senglea. These cities were built and fortified by the Knights of Malta. You first start with an informative drive through Cospicua. Cospicua has been inhabited since Neolithic times. Prior to the 18th Century it was known as Bormla, a name which is still in use. Its fortification walls, constructed to protect the town and its neighbours Vittoriosa & Senglea, were built by the Knights of Malta. Construction began in 1638 but was not completed for another 70 years.
You will then visit Vittoriosa, ideally situated for safe anchorage and over time it has developed a very long history with maritime, mercantile and military activities. Prior to the establishment of Valletta as a capital city of Malta, military powers that wanted to rule the Maltese islands would need to obtain control of Vittoriosa due to its significant position in the Grand Harbour. The third city is Senglea, joined by a land bridge to Cospicua during the time of the Knights of St. John and as a result it became a peninsular in shape. During the time of the Knights of St. John, Senglea was used as a hunting area.
A detailed English commentary by the driver will help you unfold the history of Valletta and the Three Cities connected with two Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942. Tour is operated by one of the first two wooden bodied buses purchased in 1921 by the Cottonera Motor Bus Company. These buses were licensed to operate routes between Cottonera and Valletta and were made by local carpenters and mechanics, later called as bus bodybuilders. At that time the local carpenters and mechanics were encouraged to build bus bodies so that the company Cottoners Motor Bus Co. could increase its fleet rapidly.
Culture