Undoubtedly it is one of the most beautiful natural harbours of the world, the biggest of the Mediterranean, Grand Harbour (Il-Port il-Kbir) is the jewel of Valletta (Il-Belt Valletta); its perfect position in the heart of the Mediterranean makes it the ideal holiday destination for sailing boats, motorboats, superyachts and cruise ships even longer than 300 meters, its magnificence and the enchanting Maltese capital, officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, delight every day hundreds of tourists from all over the world.
Grand Harbour has a rich heritage that led to many changes occurred during its long history, already in use since Phoenician times, small groups of fishers or merchant fleets found here ideal and safe conditions for mooring, this facilitated its progressive development, new docks and wharves were included over the centuries and fortifications built all around; after a brief and unsuccessful control by Napoleon, under the British Military Grand Harbour was massively fortified and became a strategic military base for a long time, moreover a wider entrance, harbour amenities and a greater anchorage were included, Valletta started to enjoy a new era of prosperity focusing mainly on the opportunities given by the multi-purpose Grand Harbour, unfortunately much destruction was caused by the WWII.
Today modern yachts and cruise ships have given a new maritime function to this beautiful historic harbour, safe anchorage and high quality services are guaranteed all year round, at the same time they are always surrounded by magnificent panoramic views and prestigious works of baroque architecture...really a great experience! Grand Harbour is bounded by Fort St. Elmi (Il-Forti Sant Iermu), Fort Ricasoli (Forti Rikazoli) and the Sceberras Peninsula, on which Valletta stands, the nearby and enchanting Barakka Gardens (Il-Barrakka ta' Fuq) offer unrivaled views over the entire stretch of the entrance to Grand Harbour, moreover it is enriched by a quantity of wonderful bays, by the picturesque village of Kalkara (Il-Kalkara) and by the fortified Three Cities, that is Vittoriosa (Birgu), Cospicua (Bormla) and Senglea (L-Isla).
The Three Cities are embraced by the fortified Cottonera Lines, built to include the entire area, their tourist attractions and the rich historical and cultural heritage inside the walls are worth a visit. Already built since Phoenician times, their inlets and fortified walls provided the perfect conditions for mooring and protecting Grand Harbour, moreover a home and fortress to almost every people who settled here; rightly considered the cradle of Malta's history and culture, the origins of their palaces, churches, forts and bastions go back to time immemorable.
Something in detail: Vittoriosa has played a significant role thanks to its strategic importance as portual city and the proximity to Fort St. Angelo (Forti Sant'Anglu); as the first home of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John (later Knights of Malta) it still boasts some ancient Knights' residences (auberges) and walls dating back to the 16th century; Senglea, originally an island, was strategically joined to Cospicua, during the Second World War heavy bombardments devasted most of the city but today it still offers superb views especially from the Safe Haven Gardens; the larger but younger Cospicua was the centre of all commercial and military activity, however it suffered extensive damage during World War II that fortunately spared the famous and robust fortifications of Santa Margherita Lines, still perfectly preserved.
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Hi folks, I visited the Saluting battery last week and did the tour of the NATO tunnels which was very interesting, the tunnels are very comprehensive and only a fraction is open at the moment, they have found one of the maps used during the siege of the second world war, well worth a visit. You can also visit the Lascaris war rooms while there. Gan canny though.
Please bring back the panorama grand Harbour cam. We miss it abundantly.
Christine and I watched the German sailing ship leaving I did make a short video
Just taken a photo of Marella Celebration leaving and it amazes me how many rowing boats and small boats have to be shooed away from the liners path by the pilot boat. Saw some small yachts having to be moved on out of the way of Bellissima once.
I've submitted quite a lot of photos under various webcams of the Marella Discovery and MSC Bellissima arriving..
I feel your pain Princ180 !
Missing camera - Grand Harbour - Valletta , Senglea Cottonera
Morning Ann. I got Europa on this one, but it was dark and yes she was all lit up, but you cannot get a clear look because of the lights. Photo has not been released yet... might not be because it's Sunday. Europa has a great bridge cam though, good view of Albatross. Sadly no bridge cams on Neoriviera and Mein Schiff 6. So frustrating as all 4 ships I dearly would have loved to seen throughout the day. It's going to be dark when they all leave as well. So much for a great day's viewing.
Carol, I managed to get a photo of Albatros coming in at 07:00. Unfortunately Mein Schiff 6 got in early as well, about 02:30, so I missed that one. I'd like to see your photo of Europa so could you please tell me where uploaded photos can be found? I can't see that option anywhere.
Looks like no one's listened to our plea to bring those 2 cams back Carol ! Lucky you were able to see Europa coming in. Wonder why so early. Mein Schiff 6 and Albatros should be coming in shortly so I hope to see them on this cam cause like you said, it's not like we're going to get to see them anywhere when they're docked !
Somehow managed to get photo of Europa arriving very early... 9pmish uk time was due 8am sunday 12th.. Thank goodness, because she will not be seen on any other cam till departure.
I totally agree with Anne.... Please, please help. So missing them already.
Good cam this one for seeing passing ships full length and virtually only way of seeing the ones docked opposite.
Super....
Welcome back to the British Hotel cams. They were missed!!!!
Must be busy for cruise liners todays - there's one in the back right corner of this picture - opposite Senglea