A Short History of Malta and Its Cities

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Throughout much of its history, Malta was considered to have a crucial strategic location due to its position in the Mediterranean Sea.   It was held by several ancient cultures including Phoenicians, Sicilians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and others.   Malta is commonly associated with the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (Knights Hospitaller), who ruled it from the mid 16th century. In 1798, the French under Napoleon took the island on 12 June, without resistance, when the Grand Master of the Order capitulated after deciding that the island could not be defended against the opposing French naval force.   French rule lasted a little over 2 years, until they surrendered to the British Royal Navy, under Admiral Nelson's command, in September 1800.

Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars.

Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964 and is currently a member of the European Union which it joined in 2004.

Malta adopted the Euro as the country's currency on January 1, 2008.

The nation's capital city is Valletta (population: 6,315). It was founded in 1566 and has the designation of Città Umilissima.

Mdina (population: 258), the old capital city of Malta, became known as the Silent City. Its designation is Città Notabile.

Birgu (population: 2,691) is the maritime city of Malta and was granted the title of Città Vittoriosa in 1565 after the siege of Malta by the Ottoman Turks.

Bormla (population: 5,642) was granted the title of Città Cospicua by grand master Marc'Antonio Zondadari in 1722.

Isla (or Senglea, population: 3,500), has the designation of Città Invicta and is the most densely populated city in Malta.

Birgu, Bormla and Isla are collectively referred to as the three cities.

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