Birgu by Candlelight is already the most magical night of the year in Malta. This year, Heritage Malta is making it even better: on Saturday 10th October 2026, two of Birgu’s most important historic sites, Fort St Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace, will reopen after dark and be lit by candlelight for Birgu Fest.
Key Details
- Date: Saturday 10th October 2026
- Evening opening: 7pm to midnight (last admission 11:30pm)
- Daytime note: both sites close at 4pm on the day and reopen at 7pm
- Ticket: one combined ticket for both sites costs just €3
- Heritage Malta members: free with a valid membership card
- Organiser: Heritage Malta
Fort St Angelo by Candlelight
Fort St Angelo was the headquarters of the Knights during the Great Siege of 1565, and it rarely feels as atmospheric as it does on this night. With candles flickering along its walls and courtyards, and the Grand Harbour glowing below, it’s a completely different experience from a normal daytime visit. Read our full Fort St Angelo guide to learn more about its history before you go.
The Inquisitor’s Palace
In the heart of Birgu, the Inquisitor’s Palace was home to the Roman Inquisition in Malta for more than two centuries, and it’s one of the most fascinating buildings in the old town. On the night, there’s a fun extra too: Heritage Malta is displaying the dress Mary Spiteri wore when she represented Malta at the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest with “Little Child”, a nice link between centuries-old history and modern Maltese memories.
Why It’s Worth Going
- Two major heritage sites for €3 is outstanding value.
- You’ll see both in a setting most visitors never experience.
- It fits perfectly into a night at Birgu by Candlelight, when the whole town switches to candlelight.
Tips
- Birgu gets very busy on Birgufest Saturday. Arrive early in the evening or take the ferry from Valletta to avoid the traffic.
- Visit the fort first while the crowds are still in the streets, then the palace.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as both sites have stairs and uneven historic floors that are harder to see in candlelight.
Tickets and the latest updates are on the official Heritage Malta event page. For more historic places to explore, browse our heritage sites in Malta.
Beautiful Malta is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with Heritage Malta. Event details can change, so always check with the organiser before you go.