Great Siege Of Malta Experience

The great French author Voltaire once said: “Nothing is more well-known than the Siege of Malta.” Admittedly, he said it a long time ago before Elvis, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Lady Gaga came along but it still goes to show what a significant event this once was.

The siege, or Great Siege of Malta, took place in 1565 when the Muslim Ottoman Empire invaded the island and tried to take it from the legendary and devoutly Christian Knights Hospitaller. Having run roughshod over pretty much everywhere else in Europe they got a shock from this little nation and from the Knights who were made of stern stuff and whooped their Ottoman asses! 

The historic event, which showed the rest of the world that the Ottomans were not as invincible as everyone thought, is today marked by the Great Siege of Malta audio-visual presentation located within the Great Siege Events Museum in Valletta.

The Great Siege presentation is a cultural, educational, informative and entertaining way to spend an hour or so. It is available in 10 languages through audio guides. Parental guidance is advised for very young children as some of the scenes may be a little frightening for them.

The siege sparked one of the bloodiest and most fiercely contested battles in history. The victory was the climax of a growing contest between a Christian alliance and the Ottoman Empire for control of the Mediterranean Sea. Although it is impossible to put exact numbers on it, the number of casualties after the siege was staggering; a third of the knights were killed and Malta lost a third of her inhabitants.

In gratitude for the knights' heroic defence, money soon began pouring into the island from other European countries, allowing Grand Master de Valette to construct the capital city, Valletta. The Ottomans went off with their tales between their legs. They had learned their lesson and never attempted to besiege Malta again.

The Great Siege of Malta audio-visual presentation is organised by Cities Entertainment Ltd and is located fittingly in Valletta, the city whose construction was a result of the siege victory. It’s next to the historic Premier Café, so you can have a coffee and a snack before or after the show. If you’re short on time then place your order at the café before you enter the attraction and it will be ready and waiting for you when you’re done. The café specialises in tapas and sushi, among other things.

Tickets for the siege experience cost €7.50 for adults, €3.75 for children and €4.00 for students and OAPs. There are also special group discounts. It is open from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4.30pm and on Saturday between 10am and 3pm.