Malta Maritime Museum, Birgu (must see)

The Malta Maritime Museum, nestled along the picturesque Birgu waterfront, offers visitors a captivating journey through 7,000 years of Malta's rich maritime history, tracing the island's connection to the Mediterranean Sea from ancient times to the modern era. Housed within the historic Old Naval Bakery, this museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that illuminate how maritime history has profoundly shaped the Maltese people and their island.

The museum's narrative is woven together by a diverse collection of objects, each intimately linked to Malta's history. These artifacts tell the story of how different faiths, cultures, and nations have intersected and coexisted on this small Mediterranean rock, within its surrounding sea, and in an ever-shrinking world. Explore how a surviving anchor from Roman antiquity connects to local faith and cultural memory, and how the livelihoods of Maltese men and women were intricately tied to corsairing, an activity often vilified in local folklore. Discover how the quest for statehood in the last century paralleled economic concerns.

In addition to its extensive collection, the Maritime Museum offers valuable resources such as a comprehensive maritime-themed library and a vast collection of archival records. The museum also serves as a prominent venue for events hosted by Heritage Malta's culinary division, Taste History, which adds a flavorful dimension to the visitor experience. Through its exhibits and assets, the Malta Maritime Museum provides a fascinating window into Malta's maritime heritage and its enduring impact on the island and its people.