The Dark History of Valletta - Walking Tour
Description
Valletta is an old city, with dark stories to tell. This walking tour begins at the statue of Jean de Valette behind the Royal Opera House. You’ll discover the truth about this legendary and fearsome man, the founder of Malta’s capital – and how he didn’t actually like Malta. You’ll also discover how the ghost of 16th Century knight Oliver Starkey haunted a house in the 1990s, and how he’s still causing trouble there today. See the place where people were once punished in public, and learn why a large metal hook found in a Valletta side street has a link to the famous British Admiral Lord Nelson. You’ll also hear the shocking letter a lovesick man sent to the woman he was obsessed with, shortly before he murdered her, and learn why hundreds of boys entered a church – but didn’t come out alive. All this, and more, on The Dark History of Valletta tour. Please note that Valletta has hills and steps so a reasonable amount of fitness is required
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your dark history walking tour will take in the streets of Malta's capital city, Valletta. You'll hear how the ghost of 16th Century knight Oliver Starkey threw parties in the 1990s - and how he was eventually persuaded to stop disturbing the neighbours; the shocking letter that a lovesick man sent to his lover shortly before he murdered her; and why over a hundred boys entered a church but never came out. You’ll also learn the truth about Jean de Valette, the founder of Malta's capital city, and the hidden meanings behind a grotesque statue that watches over the people in Valletta, right above their heads. All this, and more, on the Dark History of Valletta walking tour.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(63)
It was great! Interesting and quirky stories that helped humanize the rich history of this incredibly historical area. Highly recommend. Will check out some different Dark Malta tours on future visits.
5 out of 5 Amazing! He really brought Valletta to life.
Thank you Stephen! Valletta is a gem, and it's even better once you get to know its dark side. Glad you enjoyed the tour.
I enjoyed every story . Very informative
Thank you for coming, glad to hear you enjoyed the tour 🖤
One of the best tours I have experienced. Interesting, humorous and such a knowledgeable guide. There is nothing I can fault - Mario you were the best! We have booked on 2 x other tours - highly recommended.
Thank you Lisa! I really appreciate your kinds words and enthusiasm. Looking forward to showing you more dark secrets on the streets, soon ☠️
Mario is a master storyteller, whose narratives are coloured by the atmosphere of a night-time Valletta. So much fun! Highly recommended.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Louis. Always a pleasure to guide your groups through the darker side of Malta's history.
This was a fun event filled walking tour. Our guide was fabulous in his descriptions of ghostly events. Great walk around Valetts and the history of the town.
Thanks for coming, Phyllis, and I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed my tour around the shadows of Valletta.
We joined Mario for the dark history tour of Valletta and it was one of the highlights of our trip. He was easy to deal with and ran the tour smoothly from start to finish. Mario brought the city’s hidden past to life, sharing gripping stories of intrigue, crime, and lesser-known events, all backed by real historical facts. He kept the entire group engaged, including our 15-year-old, with the perfect mix of suspense and insight. His storytelling was sharp, informative, and entertaining. If you want a deeper, more fascinating side of Valletta, this tour is absolutely worth it.
Was great to take you guys around the shadows of Valletta, Charles. Am glad you enjoyed hearing about its darker side ☠️
I joined the tour with Mario back in November, and even though it’s been a few months, I absolutely had to leave a review. If you're looking for a 5-star experience, this is it. Mario’s knowledge of the capital's hidden past is incredibly deep and interesting. He doesn't just recite dates; he is a truly captivating storyteller who brings the narrow streets and old buildings to life with tales of mystery and intrigue. He kept our entire group hooked with some laughs along the way. I highly recommend booking with Mario if you are visiting Malta—I will definitely be doing another one if I am back.
That's very kind of you, Joan. I'm really glad you enjoyed hearing about the darker side of Valletta. It's a gem of a city but it does have a strange past, which I love talking about. Hope to see you in the shadows of the city again someday 🖤
We live in Malta and my wife booked this for us as she knows I love all the history and interesting tales of Malta. This tour lasts 2 hours (ish) and I think at €15pp it is really good value. The information and humorous way it was put across made it very interesting and it is no surprise to my wife I have already started looking in more depth to the tour information. I (we) can highly recommend this tour and we have already decided on doing several more.
Thank you for that, Graham. Am glad you enjoyed your walk in the dark with me - hope to see you on more tours soon 👻
We have been following ‘Dark Malta Tours’ on ‘YouTube’ and FB for 12months from Australia. Finally travelled to Malta and booked tours, did not disappoint. Would book more tours but leaving tomorrow.
That's great to hear, thanks for following from afar and then coming along in person! Hope to see you in the shadows again someday 💀
