Vittoriosa or Birgu, is the oldest of the three sister cities. Its
origin lies in prehistoric times. There was a period when the whole island
was divided into two administrative regions: Mdina attended to the needs of
the interior area and of the countryside, whilst Birgu administered the
eastern zone and the harbour approaches.
Like Senglea, Birgu occupies a narrow tongue of land in Grand
Harbour. At the tip of the promontory stands Fort St. Angelo, the
stronghold commenced during the Arab domination, probably in the 1 1th
century.
The history of Birgu starts in 1530, when the Order of St. John
established its Headquarters in what was still a small village, known as
Borgo di Castello. At the time, Valletta did not exist. The Knights, who
were aware of the warlike threats of the Ottoman Turks, began at once to
strengthen the harbour defences, particularly those of St. Angelo, and of
other strategic but weak points.
Apart from improving the fortifications, the Knights also undertook
some work for their own needs. They split Birgu in two quarters: The
Collachio, which they reserved for their residence, and the popular
quarter, for the rest of the people.
In May 1565, the Turks invaded Malta with a force of 30,000 men.
That was the start of the siege which lasted well over three months. The
indomitable Grand Master La Valette who directed the operations, made St.
Angelo his headquarters. Many hundreds of Knights and Maltese lost their
lives, but the Turkish losses were so great that they were constrained to
call it a day and to abandon their plans to conquer Malta.
The Knights were victorious. Birgu was never captured and in
recognition of its stubborn resistance, it gained the title of Vittoriosa -
the Victorious one - which name it retains to the present day.
When peace returned, the Knights began the building of Valletta.
Within a few years, the new city rose on Mount Sceb-er-ras; and in 1574,
the Knights transferred their convent to their new capital. Birgu lost much
of its importance, but it remains forever the victorious city with its
unforgettable, historical past.
During the Second World War, Birgu, like the other places on the
harbour, was submitted to unceasing air attacks. Destruction was
widespread, More than 60% of its buildings were wiped out. Churches,
palaces and houses lay everywhere in ruins. Some of the scars were healed,
but much was irretrievably lost forever. Another chapter was added to the
city's glorious annals.
Present day Birgu is the home of 3,500 inhabitants, most of whom
work in the Drydocks and in offices across the water in Valletta.
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