Upper Barrakka Gardens

Upper Barrakka Gardens rise from the highest point of Malta’s old city walls above the Grand Harbour. Stone arches built in 1661 frame a terrace once reserved for the Italian knights of the Order of Saint John. Mediterranean greenery, open sky, and harbour air now surround these former private gardens.

From the balustrade, you can see Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua lining the water below. Cruise ships and fishing boats cross the Grand Harbour, while statues and commemorative plaques trace episodes from Malta’s past. Antonio Sciortino’s bronze Les Gavroches shows three children in motion, recalling the island’s struggles during the early twentieth century. Second World War damage was followed by restoration, and shaded benches now line the walkways open to everyone since 1824.

The Saluting Battery directly below adds a ceremonial sound as cannon fire echoes across the harbour. The modern lift rises nearly sixty metres from the waterfront, linking the busy shore with this elevated garden. Between the stone arches and bright water, the terrace holds both a quiet place to pause and a clear view of Malta’s maritime history.