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(69)
We did a private evening tour of Valletta with Mario. He is a fabulous tour guide; hugely entertaining, engaging and informative. He really brought the streets of Valletta alive for us. I wasn’t sure what our 14 and 10 year old would think of a two hour walking tour, but they loved it and wanted Mario to take us around the rest of Malta! I would highly recommend.
That's such a lovely review, thank you so much! It was a real pleasure to take your family around the shadowy back streets of Valletta. I'm glad the girls enjoyed it, they brought great energy and were very attentive the whole time 🖤 Hope to see you guys back on the dark side of Malta someday 💀
An Unforgettable Look into Valletta's Dark Past! We recently took the "Dark History of Valletta" walking tour, and it was absolutely fantastic. The stories covered everything from ghosts to high-profile murders and historical sexual scandals. Our tour guide was excellent and incredibly knowledgeable. It was clear that an immense amount of research went into crafting this experience. The storytelling was top-notch, keeping us completely engaged from start to finish. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Valletta!
Thank you Pieter! I have spent years researching the darker side of Valletta's past, so I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed the stories so much 🖤
We really enjoyed the Dark History of Valletta tour on 7th July. The stories were fascinating and gave us a completely different perspective on the city, with plenty of dark tales, mysteries and history. Mario was an excellent guide – knowledgeable, engaging and a great storyteller who kept us interested from start to finish. Highly recommended if you're looking for something a little different in Valletta!
Thank you Richard! That's exactly what I aim for - offer a different side of Valletta's rich (and dark) past. Thanks for coming!
That was amazing tour. I learned a lot of interesting things about the unusual events of Valletta!Highly recommended
That's great to hear - I always aim to educate but above all entertain the dark souls who come on my tours. Thank you for coming!
Very engaging tour and very interesting to find out different sides to our history. Well done!
Thanks for the booking, Tom! Glad you and your crew enjoyed your walk in the shadows. Hope to see you there again sometime.
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.
Thank you for coming and for your kind review. Please do take another walk in the shadows with me again someday ☠️
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.
