Rental Mansion Birgu - Vittoriosa  Malta

" A beautifully reconstructed tower, Torre Dei Cavalieri, once the property of the Maltese Knights (hence the name) is located in the heart of Birgu (named Vittoriosa after the victory over the Turks in 1565) and overlooks the most elegant harbour in Malta -- the Grand Harbour Marina -- with stunning views over the waterfront. Adjacent to the oldest and most historical buildings (St. Lawrence – the Knights’ original Cathedral; The Inquisitors’ Palace, the Auberges of Provence, Auvergne, Italy, England, etc.), the tower is made of the typical honey-coloured sandstone (globigerina) and comprises two wings, one sleeping 6 and the other 4/5. The larger wing has a very spacious kitchen (and separate wc) with those wonderful sea views. The lift takes you to the three bedrooms: the main double bedroom (queen size bed) has its own bathroom (tub), the other two twinbedded rooms share a shower & wc. The lift then takes you to the very ample and stunning drawing-room with terrace and picture window over St.Lawrence’s church and waterfront. The smaller wing has its kitchen on the ground floor, with steps leading up to the very tastefully decorated dining/living area (sofa bed) with two twin-bedded rooms and bathroom with tub. This wing also has its own smaller terrace overlooking the harbour. Both wings have washing machines, air conditioning and well-equipped kitchens. Torre Dei Cavalieri is one of the most prestigious locations of the whole island, right next door to the Casino di Venezia, with its excellent restaurant. There are several wine-bars and a water-taxi service which operates all day including evenings to Valletta. The area is the oldest of Malta, dating back to before 1565 (when Sultan Soleiman the Great and his admiral Dragut attempted in vain to invade) and was defended by the forts of St. Angelo – thereafter the site of the British Royal Navy for many years and now that of the Order of St. John and St. Elmo. Among places of interest to visit in Valletta are the co-Cathedral (with the only signed painting by Caravaggio) and the Knights’ Palace, with a very fine collection of firearms and Gobelin tapestries, gifts of the Grand Masters. The old ”Silent City” of Mdina is a must, with its wonderful cathedral and unforgettable architecture. There are many restaurants and bars well worth stopping at, in particular the Xara Palace (“Relais des Chateaux”) which has a very good outside “trattoria”. Finally, should one so desire, Torre Dei Cavalieri has its own 12m berth (within walking distance – extra charge) E32. "