A Quiet Escape in Valletta: Exploring the Barrakka Gardens

Visiting Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, Malta

When we started planning our trip to Valletta and listing the places we wanted to see, the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens quickly made it onto our itinerary. With their harbor views, historic monuments, and green spaces, they seemed like a natural stop between exploring the city’s streets, churches, and museums. We couldn’t leave them out, so we set off to see what each garden offered. In this guide, we’ll share what to expect, how the two gardens differ, and why they’re worth adding to your Valletta itinerary.

Why Are There Two Barrakka Gardens in Valletta

Valletta has two Barrakka Gardens, Upper and Lower, both overlooking the Grand Harbour but located at different levels along the city’s fortifications. The Upper Barrakka Gardens sit on the upper tier of the St Peter and St Paul Bastion, while the Lower Barrakka Gardens sit lower down near the harbor. Both gardens date back to the Knights of St John and offer places to pause while exploring the capital. Although their location and history connect them, each has its own monuments, layout, and views, making it worth visiting both during your time in Valletta.

So why are there two Barrakka Gardens, and why do they share the same name? The answer lies in their location and history. The Lower Barrakka Gardens are believed to be the older of the two, while the Upper Barrakka Gardens were established later. They were known as the Old and New Barrakka, names that eventually evolved into Lower and Upper Barrakka Gardens. Rather than two unrelated parks, they are separate gardens along Valletta’s fortifications, each offering its own perspective on the Grand Harbor.

Upper Barrakka Gardens

• Location: St Ursula Street, Valletta, Malta
• Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM-10:00 PM. Check for changes before your visit
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Facilities: Benches, shaded areas, and nearby amenities
• Accessibility: Entrances, lifts, and steps
• Good to Know: The Saluting Battery below the Upper Barrakka Gardens fires ceremonial cannons daily at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are among Valletta’s best-known viewpoints, overlooking the Grand Harbor and the Three Cities across the water. Located on the upper level of St Peter and St Paul Bastion, the gardens combine historic arcades, monuments, and shaded paths, making them a worthwhile stop while exploring Malta’s capital.

History of Upper Barrakka Gardens

The story of the Upper Barrakka Gardens begins in 1661, when the Italian knights of the Order of St John created a private garden and recreational space on the upper level of St Peter and St Paul Bastion. The gardens gave the knights a place to relax away from their duties, while the elevated position above the Grand Harbor offered views across the water towards the Three Cities.

The gardens were not always open to everyone. After the French occupation of Malta ended in 1800, the public could access them, and their role gradually shifted from a private retreat to a public garden. In the 19th century, the space developed further, with monuments and memorials added to commemorate notable figures in Maltese and British history.

One of the most noticeable changes came in 1775, following the Rising of the Priests. The arches had originally been covered by a roof, but Grand Master Ximenes ordered its removal because he suspected the shaded area could be used for secret meetings. The open arches remain a defining feature of the gardens today, framing the harbor views that draw visitors here.

What to See at Upper Barrakka Gardens

• The Arcades and Terrace. The covered arches line the terrace, framing views across the Grand Harbor toward the Three Cities. Find a spot along the railing to take in the scenery or snap a few photos.
• Statues, Monuments and Memorials. As you wander through the gardens, look out for statues and memorials dedicated to notable historical figures, including Winston Churchill and Sir Thomas Maitland.
• The Saluting Battery. Located directly beneath the gardens, this historic artillery battery is known for its ceremonial cannon firings at noon and 4 PM. Watch from the terrace above, or visit the battery itself for a closer look.
• The Central Garden and Pathways. Take a moment to explore the planted areas, benches, and shaded corners. They offer a break from Valletta’s busy streets and a chance to enjoy the gardens at a slower pace.
• The Grand Harbor Viewpoint. The harbor panorama is one of the main reasons to visit. From here, you can see the Three Cities across the water, boats moving through the harbor, and the surrounding fortifications.
• The Barrakka Lift. Just outside the gardens, the lift connects the upper part of Valletta with the waterfront at Lascaris Wharf. It’s useful if you’re heading to the harbor or catching a ferry.

The Views from Upper Barrakka Gardens

The main reason to visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens is the view across the Grand Harbor to the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. From the terrace, you can watch boats cross the water and admire the historic fortifications lining the harbor. For photos, head to the stone railing beneath the arcades, where the open arches frame the scenery and make a natural backdrop for your shots.

The Saluting Battery: Cannon Firing at Upper Barrakka Gardens

One highlight of visiting the Upper Barrakka Gardens is watching the cannon fire at the Saluting Battery below. The tradition dates back centuries, when cannon shots helped ships in the Grand Harbor keep track of time. Today, the ceremony remains a popular attraction, with the cannons firing at noon and again at 4 PM, Monday to Saturday.

You can watch the firing for free from the Upper Barrakka Gardens terrace. To see the cannons and crew up close, you can buy a ticket to enter the Saluting Battery. We recommend arriving about 15 minutes before the firing, as the terrace can get busy, especially during peak tourist season.

Practical information:

• Cannon firing: 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.
• Viewing from the gardens: Free.
• Saluting Battery opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM–5:30 PM, with last admission at 5:00 PM.
• Tickets: ~ €3 for adults aged 16 and over and €1 for children aged 5–15.
• Location: Below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, accessible from the gardens or Battery Street.
• How to get there: Waddle through Valletta to Castille Place, then follow the signs to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. You can also take the Barrakka Lift from Lascaris Wharf up towards the gardens.
• Tip: Check the official Saluting Battery website before your visit for current firing times, ticket prices, and closures. The battery is generally closed on Sundays and selected public holidays.

We also wanted to see the Saluting Battery in action, so we arrived in time for the noon cannon firing. Rather than buying tickets, we watched the ceremony from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where you can see and hear the cannons for free. If you want a good viewing spot along the terrace, we recommend arriving a little early. You can also buy a ticket to go down to the battery and watch the firing from much closer to the cannons, but we found the view from above was enough to enjoy the experience. It’s fascinating to think this tradition dates back to when cannon shots helped ships in the Grand Harbor keep track of time. What began as a practical signal has become one of Valletta’s best-known daily spectacles.

We really enjoyed visiting the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The gardens are spacious, with plenty to see, from the historic arcades and monuments to the views across the Grand Harbour. We also liked how easy it was to combine the visit with a ride on the Barrakka Lift down to the waterfront. Whether you want to admire the scenery, watch the Saluting Battery or take a break from sightseeing, there’s plenty to make a stop here worthwhile. We’d definitely recommend adding the Upper Barrakka Gardens to your Valletta itinerary.

Lower Barrakka Gardens

• Location: Lower Barrakka Gardens, St Christopher Street, Valletta, Malta.
• Opening Hours: Daily, generally 7:00 AM–10:00 PM. Check for changes before your visit.
• Entrance Fee: Free.
• Facilities: Benches, planted areas, and spots to sit and enjoy the harbor views.
• Accessibility: You reach the gardens via Valletta’s streets, which include slopes and steps. Check your route if you have mobility concerns.
• Good to Know: The gardens feature the Siege Bell Memorial nearby, commemorating those who lost their lives during the Siege of Malta in the Second World War.

The Lower Barrakka Gardens sit along Valletta’s historic fortifications, overlooking the Grand Harbor and the Three Cities. About a 10–15-minute waddle from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, they offer a quieter spot to enjoy harbor views, explore the monuments, and take a break from sightseeing. Although both gardens share the same waterfront panorama, the Lower Barrakka Gardens have their own character and are well worth adding to your Valletta itinerary.

History of Lower Barrakka Gardens

The Lower Barrakka Gardens date back to around the mid-17th century, when this part of Valletta’s fortifications served as a place for the knights to rest and enjoy the harbor views. The site sits on St Christopher Bastion, overlooking the entrance to the Grand Harbor. It may even predate the Upper Barrakka Gardens, established in 1661 as a recreation space for the Italian knights. The Lower Gardens became a public garden in 1821, early in British rule in Malta.

The gardens’ best-known landmark is the Monument to Sir Alexander Ball, built in 1810, a year after his death. Ball was a British naval officer who supported the Maltese uprising against French rule and later became Malta’s first British Civil Commissioner. The monument was funded through public donations and designed in the style of a classical Greek temple. Its location above the harbor was a fitting tribute to a man whose role in Malta’s history was closely tied to the sea.

Over time, the gardens became a public space for relaxation and remembrance. The Alexander Ball monument remains their centerpiece, while other memorials and plaques commemorate events and figures from European and Maltese history, including the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and the Prague Spring. The nearby Siege Bell Memorial, added to honor those who died during the Second World War, extends the gardens’ role as a place of remembrance.

What to See at Lower Barrakka Gardens

• The Sir Alexander Ball Monument. The main landmark is a neoclassical temple dedicated to Sir Alexander Ball, a British naval officer who played an important role in Malta’s history during the uprising against French rule. Take a closer look at the columns and architectural details.
• The Central Neoclassical Temple. The monument’s temple-like design stands out against the greenery, giving the gardens a distinctive look. It is one of the Lower Barrakka Gardens’ best-known features.
• Memorials and Commemorative Plaques. Look out for memorials that recognize historical events and people, including references to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and the Prague Spring. They add another layer of history to this small garden.
• Flower Beds and Garden Pathways. Wander along the paths between the planted areas and benches. The garden is smaller than its upper counterpart, so it doesn’t take long to explore, but plenty of corners invite you to pause and enjoy.
• Grand Harbor Viewpoint. The gardens overlook the Grand Harbor and the Three Cities. Find a spot along the terrace to watch boats moving through the harbor and admire the historic fortifications from a different angle.
• The Siege Bell Memorial Nearby. Just beyond the gardens stands the Siege Bell Memorial, commemorating those who lost their lives during the Siege of Malta in the Second World War. It’s worth visiting while you’re in this part of Valletta.

The Views from Lower Barrakka Gardens

Like the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Lower Barrakka Gardens offer views across the Grand Harbor towards the Three Cities, with historic fortifications and boats completing the scene. The panorama is similar from both gardens, so you don’t need to visit the Lower Gardens for a completely different view. However, the quieter setting, monuments, and neoclassical temple give you another reason to stop by while exploring Valletta.

We enjoyed the Lower Barrakka Gardens as much as the Upper Gardens, though the experience felt quite different. The Lower Gardens are smaller and cozier, with a more intimate atmosphere that makes them a lovely place to pause while exploring Valletta. We did notice one thing, though: the wind was much stronger during our visit, blowing so hard that we could barely stand still at times! Despite that, we were glad we stopped here. You don’t need much time to explore, so we set aside around 15–20 minutes to enjoy the garden, see the monument, and take in the harbor views.

Upper vs Lower Barrakka Gardens: Which Should You Visit

Both gardens overlook Valletta’s Grand Harbor, but they offer slightly different experiences. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are larger and busier, while the Lower Barrakka Gardens feel more intimate and peaceful. Here’s how they compare.

Feature	Upper Barrakka Gardens	Lower Barrakka Gardens
Atmosphere	Spacious and often busier	Smaller and cozier
Views	Panoramic views of the Grand Harbor and Three Cities	Similar harbor views from a lower vantage point
Main highlights	Historic arcades, monuments and the Saluting Battery	Neoclassical monument dedicated to Sir Alexander Ball and nearby memorials
Cannon firing	Best for watching the Saluting Battery from above	Not the main viewing spot
Time needed	Around 20–30 minutes	Around 15–20 minutes
Best for	First-time visitors, panoramic photos and the cannon ceremony	A quieter stop, monuments and harbor views

Which Has the Best Views

We’d give the Upper Barrakka Gardens the edge for their elevated terrace and sweeping panorama across the Grand Harbor. The Lower Barrakka Gardens offer a similar view from a different level, so you don’t need to visit both to see the harbor.

Which Has More to See

The Upper Barrakka Gardens offer more space to explore, with arcades, statues, and the Saluting Battery directly below. The Lower Barrakka Gardens have fewer features, but the Sir Alexander Ball monument and nearby memorials make them worth a stop.

How Much Time Do You Need

You don’t need a full day to visit the Barrakka Gardens, but leave enough time to enjoy the views instead of rushing through.

• Upper Barrakka Gardens. Allow around 20–30 minutes to explore the arcades, monuments, and viewpoints. If you want to watch the Saluting Battery fire its cannons at noon or 4 PM, plan your visit around the ceremony.
• Lower Barrakka Gardens. Around 15–20 minutes is enough to see the monument, wander along the paths, and enjoy the harbor views.
• Both gardens. Set aside approximately 45–60 minutes, including the walk between them. Allow more time if you want to take photos, explore nearby memorials, or watch the cannon firing.

How to Fit the Gardens into Your Valletta Itinerary

We recommend starting at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, then continuing through Valletta’s historic streets to the Lower Barrakka Gardens. Combine these stops with nearby attractions such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, the city center, and the Siege Bell Memorial.
If you want to watch the cannon firing, aim to reach the Upper Barrakka Gardens before noon or 4 PM, then plan the rest of your sightseeing around it. The gardens fit easily into a half-day exploration of Valletta, especially if you enjoy discovering the city on foot.

What to See Near the Barrakka Gardens

The Barrakka Gardens pair well with other Valletta attractions, so you can fit several stops into the same outing without spending much time traveling between them.

• St John’s Co-Cathedral. Located in Valletta’s historic center, this church is known for its ornate interior, marble floors, and Caravaggio paintings. It’s around a 10-minute waddle from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
• Valletta’s Historic Centre. Spend some time wandering the streets around Republic Street and Merchants Street, where you’ll find historic buildings, cafés, shops and smaller squares. The compact city center is ideal for exploring on foot.
• The Saluting Battery. Situated directly below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, this historic artillery battery is known for its ceremonial cannon firings at noon and 4 PM. You can watch from the gardens above for free or buy a ticket to visit the battery itself.
• Valletta Waterfront. Down at the harbor, the waterfront features colorful historic warehouses, restaurants and cafés. It’s a good place to stop for a meal or enjoy the harbor atmosphere after exploring the gardens.
• Valletta Ferry Connections. From the waterfront, you can catch ferries connecting Valletta with destinations such as the Three Cities and Sliema. Check the departure terminal and current timetable before setting off, as the routes use different harbor locations.

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We loved visiting both the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and would definitely recommend adding them to your Valletta itinerary. Although they share similar harbor views, each has its own atmosphere, monuments, and reasons to stop. If you have time, don’t choose just one. Visit both, enjoy the scenery, and decide which garden wins you over!

Travel Bold. Eat Well. Waddle Wild.

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