Ask for directions in Malta and you may get two different names for the same town. Both are correct.
One is the Maltese name people use in speech. The other was awarded by a Grand Master, and it ends up on the signs.
The Three Cities
This is where it catches people out most, because all three have two names.
- Birgu = Vittoriosa
- Isla = Senglea
- Bormla = Cospicua
The Italian names were awarded after the Great Siege of 1565 and the sieges that followed. Vittoriosa means the victorious one.
Locals say Birgu, Isla and Bormla. Bus displays and maps often say the other three.
Victoria or Rabat, in Gozo
Gozo’s main town is Rabat to everyone who lives there.
It was renamed Victoria in 1887 for Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee. Buses say Victoria. Gozitans say Rabat.
There is also a Rabat in Malta, next to Mdina, which is a different place entirely. If you are buying a bus ticket, say which island you mean.
The Città titles
Several towns carry a formal title given by the Grand Master who granted them city status. You will see these carved on the town gate and almost nowhere else.
- Ħaż-Żebbuġ: Città Rohan
- Siġġiewi: Città Ferdinand
- Żejtun: Città Beland
- Żabbar: Città Hompesch
- Ħal Qormi: Città Pinto
Nobody uses these in speech. They matter for reading a gate inscription and for pub quizzes.
Ħal, Ħaż and Ta’
Maltese place names carry prefixes that are often dropped in writing but kept in speech.
- Ħal and Ħaż come from raħal, meaning village. Ħal Tarxien, Ħaż-Żebbuġ, Ħal Qormi.
- Ta’ means “of”. Ta’ Qali, Ta’ Xbiex, Ta’ Ċenċ.
- Marsa means harbour. Marsaxlokk, Marsaskala, Marsalforn.
Which name to use
Use the Maltese name in conversation and the one on the sign when you are looking for a bus stop.
Nobody will correct you either way. Using Birgu rather than Vittoriosa just marks you out as someone who has been here before.
