Perched on the highest point of Valletta's southern bastions, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer the definitive view over the Grand Harbour. The Three Cities — Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua — sit directly opposite, with Fort St Angelo at the tip. The Saluting Battery below the gardens fires a noon cannon daily. Come early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the harbour.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Valletta's iconic terrace with panoramic Grand Harbour views
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The gardens were originally built as a private recreation area for the Italian Knights of the Order of St John in the 16th century. The Saluting Battery below fires a cannon at noon every day — a tradition that was observed by the Royal Navy when Malta was a British colony.