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Upper Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are a public park situated at the highest point of Valletta's city walls, offering some of the most spectacular views in Malta. Located on the SS. Peter and Paul Bastion, the gardens were originally created in the 16th century as a private retreat for the Italian knights of the Order of St. John. They were opened to the general public only in 1800. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy a direct view of the Grand Harbour, the "Three Cities" of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, and the historic dockyards. Directly below the gardens is the Saluting Battery, where cannons are fired daily at 12:00 and 16:00, a tradition that spans centuries. The park is adorned with numerous monuments and statues, including a prominent statue of Sir Winston Churchill. A modern glass elevator connects the gardens to the waterfront at the base of the bastion, providing easy access for tourists to the city center.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Upper Barracca Gardens · Saluting Battery · Lascaris War Rooms
- Nearby: Qormi (Città Pinto) (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 65 | 51 | 33 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 82 | 95 | 82 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The gardens are situated on the highest point of Valletta's fortifications.
- They were originally established in 1560 by the knights of the Order.
- The park has been open to the general public since 1800.
- The Saluting Battery performs daily cannon firings at 12 PM and 4 PM.
- A 58-meter high lift connects the gardens to the Lascaris Wharf below.
- The site features a monument to Gerald Strickland, a former Prime Minister.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Upper Barrakka Gardens (10)
Malta Time-Gun Museum🏛 museum
Museum about the history of the time gun in Malta.
Church of the Madonna of Liesse
Church in Valletta, Malta, dedicated to the Madonna of Liesse.
Castille Place
Auberge in Valletta, Malta, historic square.
MUŻA - National Art Museum🏛 museum
National art museum in Valletta, showcasing Maltese art.
Spazju Kreattiv
Contemporary art and culture gallery in Valletta.
Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Church building in Valletta, Malta, dedicated to Saint Catherine.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When do the cannons fire?
Is there an entry fee for the garden?
Is there an elevator to the harbour?
What are the opening hours?
Are there toilets there?
Upper Barrakka Gardens: where is it located?
Upper Barrakka Gardens: what is there to see?
Upper Barrakka Gardens: when is the best time to visit?
Upper Barrakka Gardens: why is it worth visiting?
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