Cospicua

Where is Cospicua?

Cospicua lies at the head of the two creeks between the Senglea and Birgu peninsulas, forming the central and largest of the Three Cities. It belongs to the Southern Harbour District and is enclosed on the landward side by major fortification lines.

History of Cospicua

Bormla developed around the inner harbour creeks and was progressively fortified by the Order of St John: the Santa Margherita Lines and the larger Cottonera Lines were built in the 17th century to protect the Three Cities, giving Cospicua its title Città Cottonera. The city was closely tied to the harbour dockyard and shipbuilding, and as part of the harbour area it suffered very heavy bombing during the Second World War.

What to see in Cospicua

Cottonera Lines & Santa Margherita Lines — extensive 17th-century fortifications enclosing the city. Church of the Immaculate Conception — the Baroque parish church of Bormla. Dockyard Creek waterfront — the harbour front shared with Birgu and Senglea.

Transport in Cospicua

Cospicua is served by Malta Public Transport bus routes through the Three Cities, and the Three Cities ferry terminal links the area to Valletta across the Grand Harbour. Local movement is by bus, ferry or on foot.

Living in Cospicua

Cospicua is a historic harbour city with fortifications, churches and a regenerating waterfront, the largest and most central of the Three Cities. Assessments of cost of living and housing should be based on current local data rather than general impressions.

Official name

Bormla / Cospicua

Island

Malta

District

Southern Harbour District

City title

Città Cottonera

Transport

Bus routes; Three Cities ferry