Malta WWII Facts & WWII Tourist Sites To Visit

Malta is a treasure trove for history and culture. Its strategic position at the heart of the Mediterranean means that it always served as a political stage and a go-to location in the not-so-distant age of empire building and world wars.

Malta During WWII

The Maltese islands served as a stronghold for the Allied forces from where they could keep their eyes on their North African campaign and from where they could launch their attack on Fascist Italy.

Malta’s entry into the war effort was less than an ideal affair. The Italians started bombing Valletta and its surrounding harbours, straight after Mussolini declared war on the 10th of June, 1940.

The Axis front heavily bombed Malta, and the sustained warfare that took place between April and August 1942 is widely referred to as ‘The Siege of Malta’. Thankfully, the islanders were miraculously saved when the Santa Marija Convoy arrived and spared the Maltese from submission and starvation.

The British were so highly appreciative of the Maltese’s involvement in World War II that they awarded the entire population the George Cross, which was adopted as a key Maltese symbol that signifies the Maltese people’s bravery.

WWII Tourists Sites To Visit

Immersing yourself in a country’s history is always a plus when you’re travelling.

The Malta at War Museum in Vittoriosa is dedicated to Malta’s involvement in WWII. There are countless artifacts that you can admire, including documents, uniforms, medals and, last but not least, authentic weaponry. The museum is housed in an 18th-century army barracks, a fact that further enriches the experience.

The Lascaris War Rooms are also a worthy mention. Located 150 feet beneath Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens, this historical site comprises of a series of underground tunnels which used to house Britain’s War Operations Headquarters. It’s also famously linked to Operation Husky (1956) and the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), and NATO also used it between 1967 and 1977.

If we’re talking about WWII, we simply have to mention planes. Situated in an actual WWII hangar, the Malta Aviation Museum in Ta’ Qali proudly showcases restored WWII era planes, uniforms, scale displays and other memorabilia, fulfilling our aviation dreams.

Where to stay whilst in Malta…

If you’re in Malta, you’ll immediately notice that the Maltese lifestyle fuses tradition and modernity in a truly unique manner. Luxury boutique hotels, such as Casa Ellul, have taken on board this wonderful concoction to create a bespoke experience that’s different from the norm.

With only nine suites, Casa Ellul offers a high-end experience that caters for guests who are genuinely interested in immersing themselves in Malta’s history and culture. After all, what better way to discover the island’s rich history than to have a secure base in the heart of Malta’s capital city?