Great Siege of Malta

We welcome our Guests to the Great Siege Events Museum

One inescapable fact about Malta is the Great Siege of Malta 1565, an episode of history that shaped Malta and changed it forever. The presentation at the Great Siege Events Museum brings to life many aspects of this four months long battle over Malta. It is also one of the first historical spectacles which highlights the role and social aspects of the Maltese population under siege. You will see that heroism, hope and resilience come in all sizes and shapes! Women and children played an equally important role in the struggle to survive.

During an intensive 30 minutes you will get acquainted with the points of view of the Ottoman Empire, the Order of St John and the outlook of the Maltese population. The Museum strives to present a balanced view between eastern and western cultures.

The Great Siege Presentation

This presentation of the historical Great Siege covers a total floor span of 209 square metres and takes about 30 minutes to move through. In 23 colourful scenes and tableaus, enhanced with video, audio and aromatic effects, the story unfolds. Francesco Balbi, a poet and soldier who was in Malta during the Great Siege will be your virtual host. The visitor, armed with an audio-guide, will be guided by Francesco Balbi while he navigates the visitor through the events of the Great Siege.

Knights of Malta

The Great Siege of Malta is also a very important part of the history of the knights of the Military and Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, today better known as The Sovereign Military Order of Malta. At the end of the presentation there is a digital display about the modern charitable works of the Order world-wide.