Located on St Barbara Bastions, ION Harbour is the eye on the harbour, boasting panoramic views of Valletta’s historic Grand Harbour. The Grand Harbour’s rich history, shaped by centuries of different occupancies, tells an intriguing tale of Malta’s past. We take a look at the story of the Grand Harbour to understand how this wonderful site that we get to look at everyday, became such an iconic landmark in Malta.
The history of the harbour dates to the times of the Phoenicians who settled in Malta in the 8th century BC. Recognising the benefits of the harbour’s strategic position and natural deep waters, they created a trading outpost there. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century AD that the Grand Harbour started to resemble what we see today. In 1530, the Knights of St. John arrived on the Maltese islands and in 1565, after the Great Siege, Jean Parisot de Valette founded the city of Valletta on the Sciberras Peninsula on the north side of the harbour.
For the following 200 years or so, the Grand Harbour saw extensive development with numerous forts, bastions, and defensive structures constructed to protect against future invasions, including St Barbara Bastion, which ION Harbour is located on, Fort St. Elmo at the tip of the Sciberras Peninsula, Fort Ricasoli at the opening of the harbour in Kalkara, and Fort St. Angelo, which one can see in full view directly across the harbour from ION.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the Grand Harbour remained a key naval base for the Knights until Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces arrived in Malta in 1798. But this occupancy was short-lived as the French were forced back out of the islands in 1800 by the Maltese with the help of the British Empire who then then took control of the island. Over the years, they transformed the harbour into a more advanced naval base. During World War II, the Grand Harbour endured relentless bombing which damaged several shipyards, vessels and buildings, including Fort Ricasoli. Although efforts were made to repair and restore some of the damage to buildings and forts after the war, not everything could be fully restored and many still bear the scars of World War II.
Today, the Grand Harbour is a bustling port and a key player in facilitating international trade and tourism for the islands. It is home to several shipyards and marinas, with various commercial and recreational vessels passing through its waters every day. Keep an eye out to see what you can spot from ION Harbour’s terrace – book your table on the terrace here.
