The Lascaris War Rooms is a tourist attraction in Valletta, Malta which is hidden away underground. The series of ‘secret’ rooms form a command bunker which dates back to the second world war. You’ll need a brief history lesson to understand the significance of Malta during the war, but after that you explore each room in turn and the audio guide brings the whole place to life.
At times the audio guide was long-winded, but there are also information boards in each room, so you can read those instead if you prefer. Each room had a different purpose and they’re all laid out as they would have been during the war. You’ll visit ‘fighter control’ for example, where the air defence of the island was organised and plotted.
There’s also a map room where the invasion of Sicily was coordinated. During your visit, you will learn about the aerial bombardment of Valletta, the fight for survival as supplies failed to get through and the eventual huge operation to re-stock the islands with aid. You’ll also see how these rooms were used to co-ordinate air defences.
We loved the way the rooms have been re-created. The correct equipment has been sourced and mannequins are dressed and posed as members of the forces who were tasked with defending Malta. The bunker consists of several full-height rooms taking up two floor levels. These rooms certainly have the most impact as they’re the biggest, but many of the smaller, single height rooms have even the detail in them. These rooms include the offices and communication areas and each one has been recreated with great thought and care.
The Lascaris War Rooms are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm. Adult Admission is 20 Euros (2025 prices). There are discounts for children and a family ticket available too.
LOCATION & MAP
Address: Lascaris War Rooms, Lascaris Ditch, Valletta, Malta
Contact: +356 21800992
The Lascaris War Rooms are hidden away in the rock under Valletta. Follow the brown tourist signs from the bus station or take the stairs next to the Saluting Battery entrance near Upper Barrakka Gardens to get there.
MORE ON THE LASCARIS WAR ROOMS
Lascaris War Rooms – Official Website
Lascaris War Rooms – Wikipedia
Hotels in Valletta – Booking.com
More Things To Do In Valletta – GetYourGuide