One of Valletta’s most interesting (and somewhat spooky) historical sites lies tucked underneath the ground we walk on…

Ever since the Knights of St John took over the islands, some 450 years ago, our capital started hosting an ever-growing series of underground tunnels.

The system was birthed when the Knights dug a huge water reservoir under the city, to which many other reservoirs, tunnels, and sewers were eventually connected. Over many years, this gave way to the establishment of a fantastic subterranean maze.

But that’s not all!

The Knights went on to carve out food and water caches underneath the capital, to ensure vital resources were always close at hand should the city ever fall under siege.

Once that was done, Valletta’s residents took to the tunnels to build businesses and even some subterranean dwellings. Cool, right?

Many years later, as Malta suffered the wrath of the Second World War, these tunnels were connected to a network of underground shelters that shielded hundreds of Valletta residents from certain death.

If you’re not too spooked out by the tunnels, we’ve got some great news for you.

From this weekend up until the beginning of December, Heritage Malta will be conducting a series of public tours to this lesser-known historic site!

The tours, titled Underground Valletta, will be taking place ever Wednesday and Sunday at 10am and 11am. These will be conducted in English and will always start strictly on time.

Interested in attending? Click here to book your tickets.

Visitors are kindly asked to meet the tour guide at the National Museum of Archaeology at Republic Street a full 30 minutes before the start of their tour.

You will be requested to leave your bags in secured lockers at the same museum and will be given the equipment required for the visit, such as head torches and bump caps.

Planning on attending with family?

For their own safety, children under 12 years cannot be admitted to the tour. Kids aged between 12 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Also! If you’re susceptible to claustrophobia you might experience some discomfort.

Given the humid nature of the tunnels, it is highly recommended to wear closed and comfortable shoes throughout the tour. Visitors wearing high heels and flip flops will not be admitted. You’ve been warned!