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Upper Barakka Gardens

The Most Attractive Landmark In The Capital City

The Upper Barakka Gardens overlook the Grand Harbour. From the balcony one affords to see one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Malta as they command a unique view of the only natural harbour in the Mediterranean with the Three Cities as its backdrop.

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It is the place which attracts so many Maltese and tourists all year round. The view is so breath taking that you will find yourself revisiting it several times. Sitting on a bench overlooking the view is something that cannot be missed and keeps you coming back for more.

A view of the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barakka Gardens.

It is situated near the Auberge de Castile and adjacent to the Malta Stock Exchange formerly the Garrison Chapel built in 1855-1857 by the British Empire stationed in Malta.

Upper Barrakka Gardens Price and opening hours

Opening hours: 07:00 to 22:00 all year round.
Entrance Fee: It is Free to enter the gardens.

upper barakka gardens cannon Time

Gun Salutes: 12:00, a small commentary precedes the gun firing, starting at 11:45
Afternoon Salute: 16:00

Amenities Found At Upper Barrakka Gardens

Public Toilets
Cafe
Lift to Upper Barrakka and down to the waterfront
Saluting Battery

Where is Barrakka Gardens?

Upper Barakka Gardens is located in Valletta the capital city. It is situated on the right of Castille, just behind the Malta Stock Exchange building. To enter the garden you will need to pass through a big gate.

how to get to the gardens

By Car

There are many signs around Malta to get to Valletta. It is then recommend to park at MCP car park or try find parking around Valletta.

By Bus

In Valletta there is the main bus terminus where most of the buses stop. You can catch any bus that goes to Valletta then there is a 5 minute walk to the gardens.

how do i get to lower barakka gardens from here?

Go out of the Gardens
Take the first right turn on to St. Ursula Street
Walk it all through all the way to Christopher street which is the 6th road junction
Turn right and down until you find the Lower Barakka Gardens.
There is a restaurant called Sally's adjacent to the gate. It is around a 15 minutes walk.

The Barrakka Gardens Lift

The lift is used to go down to the waterfront and come up again. A lift had already been in place and this had operated between 1905 and 1973 however this had been dismantled in 1983 as time had changed the way people travel.

Now after the development of the Cruise liner waterfront, a new idea was developed for tourists and Maltese alike to facilitate quick and easy access to Valletta. The lift is 38 metres high, the height of the fortifications built by the knights.

This new modern structure has recreated a vital link attracting many to these gardens.

Upper Barrakka Lift Prices

Standard return trip: €1.00
Karta Anzjan, Children and valid harbour ferry crossing holders to Valletta are Free

Opening Hours

1st November to 31st May: 07:00 to 21:00
1st June to 31st October: 07:00 to 24:00

The lift of Upper Barrakka Gardens Malta

The Saluting Battery

The saluting battery is found in the gardens directly beneath the top tier of the main garden. It was the place for many centuries past where at noon everyday marked the passage of mid-day.

The location of the guns are as a defensive location but also as a saluting battery for ceremonial salute to many dignitaries entering the Grand Harbour of Malta.

You can buy tickets from www.salutingbattery.com. For group bookings you can contact on info@wirtartna.org.

A ticket can be bought for all sites: To book a Multi Site Heritage Pass for Malta at War Museum, Fort Rinella, Lascaris War Rooms and the Saluting Battery.

The 12:00 Cannon firing of the saluting battery Malta

Saluting Battery Opening Times:

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 to 17:00
Last Admission: 16:30
The premises is closed on: Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year's Day and New Year's Eve.

Ticket Prices:

Adult: €3 incl. guided tour (including use of audio guide)
Children: €1 (under 16 years and accompanied by an adult)

Guided Tours:

English: 11:00, 12:10 & 15:00
This attraction is also equipped with free audio-guides in over 10 languages including Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Maltese, Russian and Spanish.

Exclusive Guided Tour of the War H.Q. Tunnel

Times & Prices

When: Twice daily at 10:30 and 14:00
Price: €15.00 per person
Starting Point: Saluting Battery

Upper Barrakka Gardens Game of Thrones Malta

There were no scenes filmed at Upper Barrakka Gardens, but from here you can see Fort St. Elmo, just on the other side of the Grand Harbour which was used for the filming of the Season 1, Episode 5 – “The Wolf and the Lion”.

The Red Keep dungeons scene was filmed in the fort’s dungeons which can be remembered from the scene where Arya is chasing cats.

The fort is located at the tip of the Birgu peninsula where it dominates the Grand Harbour. Since antiquity it has attracted all rulers who were on the islands as when you gain control of the fort you could effectively control Malta.

Events and Weddings At The Gardens

Events

Delicata Wine Festival
Notte Bianca - Several areas around Valletta

Weddings

Anyone getting marries in Malta has the opportunity to do their reception at the Gardens.

Interesting Historical Fact

Originally, the gardens were built at the expense of the Bailiff Fra Flaminio Balbiano as an exercise ground for the Knights of the Langue of Italy.

On the two sides there is an arcade which has given the Upper Barakka gardens a very imposing character. Originally these arcades were roofed in 1661.

During the reign of the Knights of Malta, the roofs were removed in 1771, after the Rebellion of the Priests. At the time the Grand Master Ximenes de Texada, on the erroneous assumption that a conspiracy had been hatched here, ordered that the roofs are cleared completely.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens from the inside.

The Statues Situated In The Garden

The Upper Barrakka gardens Malta hosts a collection of the famous bronze statue, of Les Gavroches, as well as the monument of Lord Strickland, both the work of the eminent Maltese sculptor Antonio Sciortino.

One also finds the monument to the Governor The Hon. Sir Thomas Maitland, and that erected to the memory of Dr. Joseph Zammit.

There are also memorial tablets to other prominent naval and military officers.

It is on record that a small bronze replica of Les Gavroches was presented by the Government to Her Majesty, then H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth during her stay in Malta.

The Upper Barakka Gardens remains the most attractive location in Valletta the Capital of Malta.