The Night-Watchman of Birgu: Maritime Mysteries under the Midnight Moon
Will you brave the treacherous alleys with ‘The Nightwatchman’ on our Malta Guided tours and discover Birgu’s darkest seaside secrets? book a private Malta group tours
★★★★★ 5/5
Me and my family had an amazing private trip of Mdina, the temples and three cities with Chris who provides insightful and interesting details about the history of landmarks and various locations. Chris was very engaging and fun to listen to.
- ChrisEsther B
Tour Details
- Ages: 18+
- Starting Location: Outside Birgu Main Gate - Porta d'Aragon
- Tour Difficulty: Easy
- Photo Friendly: Yes
- Duration: 2 hours
- Ending Location: Birgu Square
- What to wear: Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- Guide: Licensed Maltese tour guide in costume
- Language: English
Overview
Join our Malta Guided tours and journey through Birgu’s troublesome history, where the streets have borne witness to a perpetual lack of peace and patrolling the streets is not for the faint-hearted!
In 1530, a colossal warship sailed into the Grand Harbour, reshaping Birgu’s destiny forever. The impact, whether for the best or worst, is a decision we leave to your contemplation—just guard those thoughts closely, for the walls possess ears with evil intentions!
Birgu, a maritime haven, lures a cast of cunning characters—some foes, some friends—all perilous, each eagerly anticipating an opportunity to profit at the expense of another, perhaps even yourself!
Behind the formidable walls, an illusion of safety is crafted, yet the real peril looms within, and next door!
Along the way , expect to witness a tapestry of strange occurrences and city dwellers entangled in murder, internal strife, duels, and the mysterious of dreadful dungeons. Encounter the clandestine lives of ladies of the night, mischievous monks, and prisoners on the loose.
But there’s more than meets the eye—prepare to challenge common beliefs, unravel myths, and explore unlikely legends
Your journey may be shortened through terrible tortures and executions. Yet, these are mere preludes to the impending storm stirred by the maritime breeze, but provoked and driven by the enigmatic inhabitants of this ancient city. This tale is a favorite of our Malta Guided tours, both solo tours and private Malta group tours.
In 1530, a colossal warship sailed into the Grand Harbour, reshaping Birgu’s destiny forever. The impact, whether for the best or worst, is a decision we leave to your contemplation—just guard those thoughts closely, for the walls possess ears with evil intentions!
Birgu, a maritime haven, lures a cast of cunning characters—some foes, some friends—all perilous, each eagerly anticipating an opportunity to profit at the expense of another, perhaps even yourself!
Behind the formidable walls, an illusion of safety is crafted, yet the real peril looms within, and next door!
Along the way , expect to witness a tapestry of strange occurrences and city dwellers entangled in murder, internal strife, duels, and the mysterious of dreadful dungeons. Encounter the clandestine lives of ladies of the night, mischievous monks, and prisoners on the loose.
But there’s more than meets the eye—prepare to challenge common beliefs, unravel myths, and explore unlikely legends
Your journey may be shortened through terrible tortures and executions. Yet, these are mere preludes to the impending storm stirred by the maritime breeze, but provoked and driven by the enigmatic inhabitants of this ancient city. This tale is a favorite of our Malta Guided tours, both solo tours and private Malta group tours.
Tour Highlights
- Experience Birgu’s early days with ‘The Nightwatchman’—our Malta Guided tours reveal the city’s turbulent maritime history.
- Explore architecture and stories, walking the seaside streets where people built, lived, and died….not always in peaceful and natural serenity!
- Meet Birgu’s inhabitants, feel their fears, hear their stories, and challenge the system.
- Debunk myths, challenge legends, as your guide, in period costume, portrays a night patroller through the savage streets on one of our popular Malta group tours as well as solo tour.
Tour Theme
Brutality brought by Superstition – Curiosity and Fear of the Unknown – Change brings both danger and opportunity
Location Highlights
- Birgu (Vittoriosa) City Gate (Porta d’Aragon)
- Couvre Porte
- Dominican Church
- Old Universita’ Palace
- Inquisitor’s Palace
- Bishop’s Palace
- Knights’ Collachio Area
- Offbeat tracks charming streets less traveled by tourists
- Old Manderaggio
- Auberge of France
- Auberge of Auvergne and Provence
- Auberge of Castille and Portugal
- Auberge of Germany
- Old Execution Site
- Bastion Square
- Victory Square
Further Information
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• A hat in summer (although the narrow streets will be mostly shaded).
• Warm clothes in winter as Birgu can be chilly
Professional Maltese Tour Guide, in costume portraying a 16th century character to better tell this remarkable story.
Entry to buildings is not included.
Participants must be 16 years old or above due to adult content involving sex, adultery, brutality and more.
Our tours typically have a small group size to ensure a personalized experience.
The tour will only be cancelled in case of extreme weather conditions.
Unless there is extreme rainfall, the tour will still happen. If the tour is cancelled, we will notify you beforehand and refund your order. We will always prioritize the safety and comfort of our clients first.
Your journey begins at the very top of this page.
First step is to head to the top of page, and kindly fill in the details of your ideal date, preferred tour and add any extra tidbits that can jazz up your experience.
Then just click on “Send Booking request” and we’ll be in touch with you within 48 hours
Once we’ve established a date and time and sorted all the details, the rest is easy.
The amount is paid on the date of the tour.
Cancellations or change of bookings are only allowed if received via email notification on [email protected] at least 48 hours before the tour commences.
Our tours are designed to be safe and enjoyable for all clients. We prioritise safety above all else and work with experienced guides and tour operators to ensure that all activities are conducted safely.
The tour is mostly on even paved ground. However a great number of steps must be tackled throughout and to go on top of the ramparts and witness the panoramic views.
The tour includes around 17 stops.
The route, sights, and topics may vary slightly depending on weather and any building works.
Approximately half an hour of walking is involved.
Yes, all tours must be booked in advanced.
The meeting place is less than 5 minutes away from the bus stop, and nearby parking is available.
No, but in case of emergencies a number of coffee shops , bars and restaurants with triolets are available.
Yes, the tour is offered in English.
Although much appreciated, it is solely up to you to decide whether or not to tip your tour guide.
Just email us on [email protected] and we will be glad to help out.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in with your guide.
Tour Pricing
Group Size
Price
1 to 2 people
€ 140
3 to 4 people
€160
5 to 10 people
€210
11 to 15 people
€250
16 to 30 people
€280
30 or more people
€320
Have any questions?
Wondering about something? If it's not in sight or a bit fuzzy don't hesitate! Email us at [email protected]
Prefer joining a scheduled tour?
Prefer a shared adventure? Our scheduled tour is your jam. Click 'Book a Scheduled Tour' below to view our scheduled tours calendar and join equally awesome folks.
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Uncover the captivating and colourful lives of Valletta's infamous Corsairs. Meet unruly nasty knights, tortured and suppressed slaves as well as devoted prostitutes followed by naughty nuns. Learn about the dark forgotten industry of piracy that once formed the daily bread of most of the island's population and hear the lies that ignited it. Tales of plunder, promiscuity gone wild, and peril await you. These stories of battles on sea, land and in the bedroom are sure to leave you breathless.
On this Medieval Mdina Scheduled Tour discover the secrets of Mdina's elite as they plot their way to the top during a time of civil war, sieges, and invasions. Amidst backstabbing and betrayal, they still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
On this Medieval Mdina Scheduled Tour discover the secrets of Mdina's elite as they plot their way to the top during a time of civil war, sieges, and invasions. Amidst backstabbing and betrayal, they still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
On this Medieval Mdina Scheduled Tour discover the secrets of Mdina's elite as they plot their way to the top during a time of civil war, sieges, and invasions. Amidst backstabbing and betrayal, they still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
Uncover the captivating and colourful lives of Valletta's infamous Corsairs. Meet unruly nasty knights, tortured and suppressed slaves as well as devoted prostitutes followed by naughty nuns. Learn about the dark forgotten industry of piracy that once formed the daily bread of most of the island's population and hear the lies that ignited it. Tales of plunder, promiscuity gone wild, and peril await you. These stories of battles on sea, land and in the bedroom are sure to leave you breathless.
On this Medieval Mdina Scheduled Tour discover the secrets of Mdina's elite as they plot their way to the top during a time of civil war, sieges, and invasions. Amidst backstabbing and betrayal, they still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
On this Medieval Mdina Scheduled Tour discover the secrets of Mdina's elite as they plot their way to the top during a time of civil war, sieges, and invasions. Amidst backstabbing and betrayal, they still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
Uncover the captivating and colourful lives of Valletta's infamous Corsairs. Meet unruly nasty knights, tortured and suppressed slaves as well as devoted prostitutes followed by naughty nuns. Learn about the dark forgotten industry of piracy that once formed the daily bread of most of the island's population and hear the lies that ignited it. Tales of plunder, promiscuity gone wild, and peril await you. These stories of battles on sea, land and in the bedroom are sure to leave you breathless.
On this Medieval Mdina Scheduled Tour discover the secrets of Mdina's elite as they plot their way to the top during a time of civil war, sieges, and invasions. Amidst backstabbing and betrayal, they still find time for infidelity and bed hopping, all while shaping the destiny of Malta. Join your costumed Malta Tour guide on a journey through their little-known but intriguing story.
- Client Testimonials
We’re proud to receive awesome client reviews
This whole experience was fantastic, from the very funny back and forth emails with Giacomo when booking from England before we went (thanks also for the many helpful tips for things to do and see on the Maltese islands, many of which we ended up doing), to the evening itself with the simply brilliant Chris as the Corsair. Extremely educational and delivered with infectious enthusiasm. Puts everything in a much wider context; this isn't the conventional 'pantomime' piracy of eye patches, pieces of eight and parrots, but more about profiteering as a mutually advantageous political discourse to both defend the Grand Harbour and contribute to the coffers of the Knights of St John. As my daughter says below, don't miss it, there's nothing else like it.
- ShotsGeoff
Greatly recommend. Very happy that I found them. The best corsair in the Mediterranean.
Firstly, I am extremely grateful for the time Giacomo and Chris spent with me on trying to understand our needs and desires, working on setting up a nice tour to fit the budget and everyone's needs as we had 7 year old with us as well. Secondly, consideration and patience, also involving our kid (later we found out that Chris is also a teacher) and fitting into our schedule. Lastly, thank you for your personal untraditional point of view and interpretation, it was really refreshing.
- Star929
We were on a cruise and stopped in Malta. I arranged a tour with Chris who was exceptional. He customized our tour according to our time and requests. He was friendly and kind and extremely knowledgeable. We enjoyed our time with him and loved the tour of Malta. I would highly recommend him!
- MMM
I visited Malta with my adult son, who is, usually, not fond of guided tours, so I tried to find something exceptional to get him interested, and - yes! - this corsair tour was absolutely brilliant! We were lucky to have it all for ourselves - as it happen no other guests booked the tour on the same evening. The only disadvantage was the noise - streets of Valletta is overcrowded in the evening, and sometimes our points of interest were surrounded with loud music and noisy people, but in general it was very good anyway. We both highly recommend it!
- Julia
My husband booked this walking tour as part of our wedding anniversary stop over in Valletta. We have stopped in Valletta a couple of times but we learnt so much about places we have walked past previously, on this 2 hour tour with Chris aka Shandru.
We were the only people doing the tour on this rainy evening but the guide still put lots into the tour. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Corsairs in Malta and its not a long walk so is suitable for all ages. Think my grandchildren would love some of the stories and being shown around by a real life Corsair (legal pirate).
We were the only people doing the tour on this rainy evening but the guide still put lots into the tour. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Corsairs in Malta and its not a long walk so is suitable for all ages. Think my grandchildren would love some of the stories and being shown around by a real life Corsair (legal pirate).
- Jeanette W
This is not your conventional tour! It present a side of Maltese history that - even though very intriguing - hasn't been spoken of enough! Chris, the tour guide, is clearly very passionate about the tour and history. He himself becomes part of the story, with colourful descriptions based on a lot of research. Informative and fun, with details that surprised me (even though I'm a local!)
- Dylan
We highly recommend you add this tour to your Malta activities! Chris is in full Corsair character and does an outstanding job in bringing history to life! He tells interesting stories about fascinating historic characters and does it all with humor so that we really enjoyed listening and laughing! Our evening walk was perfect as the crowds had left and we could really imagine all the stories with beautiful Valletta as the setting. We learned so much about the Maltese and the Knights of Malta! An excellent activity for all ages! Thank you Chris.
- TravelingTanja7
A good visit with an amazing guide. Absolutely recommendable. The explanations were funny and unpublished. I hadn’t read these stories on any website
- pazgonzlezmiranda
We did half day trip to Hagair Qim, Marsaxlokk and Blue Grotto. I enjoyed the trip even I was there 3rd time. ;) Chris Schembri is a good guide and simpatic person, very into Maltese history and devoted to his work. Highly recommended. Btw. I lost your visit card, but I want photo of our group! :D
- Ludwika
I was looking for unique tours in Malta and was so happy to find this company. And they didn't disappoint! I had a fabulous tour with Chris, or rather I should say Xandro the Corsair :) He is a great storyteller, passionate and engaging! The organisation of the tour is well done, providing fascinating facts that I would never have imagined! It gave me a whole new perspective on Valletta and Malta. My only regret is that I didn't have time to do more tours with them. I guess I'll just have to come back soon! Thanks so much!!
- pariswithlove
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