Locanda La Gelsomina Malta

Locanda La Gelsomina is set in the historical heart of this magical Mediterranean isle. A quiet haven steeped in charm that is discreetly off-the-beaten track, yet just a heartbeat away from key cultural, natural and historical sites.  

 

It all started 500 years ago...

Boutique Hotel Birgu

Located in a quaint little lane called Triq il-Kunsill Popolari (once known as Front Street), Locanda La Gelsomina has a long history which goes back to the time of the establishment of the Order of St. John in Birgu in 1530

Built atop one of the highest points of the peninsula, the building was constructed in the early 16th century and underwent five distinct phases of construction over the course of the centuries.

The ancient stone walls have witnessed countless of stories and journeys, whilst the building's simple facade bears testament to its Renaissance heritage.

Birgu forms part of the area known as The Three Cities, which embraces the three fortified hamlets of Birgu, Cospicua and Senglea. Whilst Senglea and Cospicua were established with the arrival of the Knights, Birgu has even older historical roots that may be traced to the Phoenician era.  

 
 

During the Great Siege of 1565, the area was besieged by the Turks, however the Knights successfully repelled the invaders, earning Birgu the title of 'Città Vittoriosa'.

Birgu acted as the isle's capital from 1530 until 1571 when, upon completing the construction of Valletta, the Order moved its seat across the Grand Harbour.

Just a 5-minute sail from Birgu, Valletta is a treasure trove of baroque architectural gems and history. At the peak of the Order's settlement in Valletta, the city was home to eight Auberges of the Order's Langues. With 24 churches and chapels, St John's Co-Cathedral is without a doubt the most magnificent, featuring the sole signed masterpiece painted by Caravaggio in the world. With the departure of the Knights in 1798, Valletta bore witness to a turbulent period that witnessed the arrival of Napoleon, the Second World War and an extended British rule.

Today, Valletta is the isle's cultural, administrative and historical heart, and was the European Culture Capital of 2018. 

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