Museums by Candlelight returns to Vittoriosa on April 18, bringing heritage to life across Fort St Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace and, for the first time, St Lawrence church and museum, all illuminated by circa 15,000 candles.
Through a collaboration between Heritage Malta and the Vittoriosa local council, these three historic sites will open during special evening hours – from 7pm till midnight.
At Fort St Angelo, visitors can explore centuries of Maltese history shaped by warfare and resilience – from its medieval origins as Castrum Maris to its key role during the Great Siege of 1565 and later as a Royal Navy base – all while enjoying panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
A colourful In Guardia march, starting at 7pm from Vittoriosa’s main entrance with stops at the Inquisitor’s Palace and St Lawrence church and museum, will make its way towards Fort St Angelo, where re-enactors will remain stationed until midnight. Bernie & Pod will perform at the fort from 8.30pm till midnight and Kathy the Violinist from 7.30 to 10.30pm, while artisan stalls and food and beverage stands offer local craftsmanship and flavours.
At the Inquisitor’s Palace, visitors can experience the striking contrast between its elegant private apartments and reception halls and the stark tribunal, prison cells and torture chamber, alongside exquisite artefacts from the National Textiles Collection. Harpist Jacob Portelli will perform from 8 to 11pm.
At St Lawrence church and museum, visitors can admire objects such as Grand Master Jean de Valette’s hat and battle sword, rare 16th-century silver artefacts brought from Rhodes by the Knights of St John, and a Venetian painting attributed to Palma Vecchio. The church, an architectural masterpiece by Lorenzo Gafà, also houses Mattia Preti’s monumental depiction of the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, historic reliquaries, Gothic altar crosses and wooden apostles sculpted by Mariano Gerada.
Tickets granting access to all three sites cost €3 and are available online, at Heritage Malta museums and sites, or at the door of Fort St Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace during the event. Heritage Malta members enter free of charge, although pre-booking is required.
For transport, the Barrakka Lift and the Valletta ferry to the Three Cities will operate with extended hours until midnight, while traditional Dgħajjes tal-Pass services will also run during the event. Parking will be available at the Fortini Ground.
Full details about tickets, transport, accessibility and visitor guidelines are available at https://heritagemalta.mt/whats-on/museums-by-candlelight-birgu-2026/.
