Lascaris War Rooms
Lascaris War Rooms
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The Lascaris War Rooms consist of an underground complex of tunnels and chambers that housed the War Headquarters from where the defence of Malta was conducted during the Second World War.This secret complex contained operations rooms for each of the fighting services from where not only the air defence of Malta was coordinated, but also some of the greatest battles fought in the Mediterrean during the war. In July 1943, the Lascaris War Rooms served as the advance headquarters for the Invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky)by Generals Eisenhower, Montgomery, Alexander and Clark and Air Marshal Tedder and Admiral Cunningham. It went on being used under different forms by both the British services and Nato up to 1977.
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- ClarenceSale2 contributionsAwesome Visit To Frequently Missed Gems: Lascaris War Rooms And Saluting Battery. Just Go!Please take the time to visit these absolute gems. My wife and our Daughters have been visiting (and loving!) Malta, Gozo and Comino for a few years. I obtained a "pass out" to visit this place. Having read "Ladies of Lascaris" and my Dad having passed through (Straight Street)... I was keen to visit. The guide was a young man called Jean, and was not only incredibly knowledgeable, but so enthusiastic. And explained not only defensive, but offensive armament. And the second oldest tree on Malta. I am ex Navy, and he never missed a beat with some tricky questions! To cap it all off was the Saluting Battery and a true gentleman called Mark, who, despite 30+ temps, in period uniform was as cool as a cucumber. He gave me a real insight into the ordnance and his job. What a true professional. I have to say, the two were absolute stars, and paragons of a good job well done. Mark put me in mind of "Yeoman Warder" at the Tower of London (YouTube it), but in a much nicer way. This was the first "selfie" I have ever taken. Respect is due!Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 13 September 2023
- KECanadaTorToronto, Canada101 contributionsNot to be Missed Experience!Incredibly passionate tour guide Mike illuminated the war rooms like no one else could. Astoundingly fascinating and a history often ignored. These war rooms are not to be missed. What a role Malta played in WWII! Go and find out! The tour was detailed and entertaining and I feel quite emotional for anyone who has connections to the war.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 September 2023
- MadDogMoodyBridgwater, United Kingdom10 contributionsUnmissable step back into an incredible period of historyExcellent time at Lascaris War Rooms. Mike, the tour guide, made it all fascinating and insightful. People who chose not to do the guided tour really missed out big time, as he made it all come alive as if he'd been part of the incredible history of it himself. I can't recommend the War Rooms highly enough. A couple of hours very well spentVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 September 2023
- adrianmullinsmgbBournemouth, United Kingdom6 contributionsWhy is this not number oneBrilliant. To touch history and to be immersed to n it by a very knowledgeable guide was fantastic. If you do nothing else in Malta do this. You won't regret it. The Maltese people put up with so much to help the war effort. This explains why Malta was needed and how they struggled. If I could give ten stars I wouldVisited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 21 September 2023
- downing a1 contributionExcellent WW2 historyToday we visited Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta and joinedMike’s tour. It was extremely interesting and we thoroughly enjoyed Mike’s presentation and insite into life during the WW2 on Malta and the crucial work done in the war rooms. We both recommend a visit to the war rooms during your stay in Valletta.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 September 2023
- Teresa KDublin, Ireland3 contributionsSuperbEven if you only have a passing history in history the war rooms are well worth a visit. We were lucky to have Nate as our tour guide, as a history student he clearly had an in depth knowledge and a passion for the subject and kept the entire group engaged, enthralled and entertained throughout the entire tour. I would definitely recommend this tour as part of your Malta experienceVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 September 2023
- jan502509Wickford, United Kingdom19 contributionsFantastic, hidden gemNate was our guide - what a knowledgable young man who really knew his stuff, it was a very enjoyable tour. These rooms have been meticulously restored to show how the war effort was organised in Malta. Highly recommended.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 September 2023
- BertFakenham, United Kingdom13 contributionsWell worth a vititInformative and interesting. It's worth taking the guided tour. Mike, our guide was knowledgeable and supplied interesting facts that we would otherwise have missed. I would recommend a visit to understand the sheer scale and undertaking of that era.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 September 2023
- LyndaHandforth, United Kingdom10 contributionsExcellent authentic WW2 museumWe visited the war rooms as part of our visit from our cruise ship. It is amazing. So much information, so well displayed and lots of authentic artefacts. Rooms are set out as they would have been in WW2. It is all well thought out by curator, James who is such a kind and thoughtful person and helped one member of our party with walking difficulties. Thank you so much.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 September 2023
- AlisonLeedsLeeds, United Kingdom6 contributionsA must see tour when in VallettaReally enjoyable guided tour but you can just walk around on your own. The tour was great led by a guide Nate who clearly knows and loves the WW2 history of the island. Not sure the guided tour would be suitable for younger guests as there is quite a lot of information to take in but as lovers of history we really enjoyed it.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 September 2023
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Popular mentions
4.5
4,903 reviews
Excellent
3,960
Very good
711
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166
Poor
45
Terrible
21
JonoPingPongo
London, UK5 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
*Firstly, I am a bit of a WW2 nerd and have travelled all over the world visiting historical sites and so this might be a bit biased but it'll be a very honest review. My partner on the other hand is mostly bored by such sites.
So, our visit was on a very rainy day in Valletta and so we chose to stay away from the outside and keep underground instead. Our tour guide James (who it turns out is the Manager) greeted us and told us the tour would start in 15mins and even came to find us when it started. He took us down to the plotting room (or filter room) where the tour started.
His level of knowledge was phenomenal, extremely impressive and for someone who has clearly explained the same information many, many times over, he still brings the tour and history to life. He was happy to answer the many questions I had and knew the answer to every single one. You can also clearly see his enthusiasm for the job and the history of the tunnels. I've seen many tour guides on my travels and James is one of the best (and I don't say that lightly)....even my partner Kelly enjoyed it!
Due to the weather and the friendliness of the staff, we were in no hurry to leave. It was a pleasure.
For people in a hurry, the audio tour would probably be quicker and sufficient but the guided tour is definitely worth it to fully explain the importance of these rooms and hear the amazing stories around them.
So, our visit was on a very rainy day in Valletta and so we chose to stay away from the outside and keep underground instead. Our tour guide James (who it turns out is the Manager) greeted us and told us the tour would start in 15mins and even came to find us when it started. He took us down to the plotting room (or filter room) where the tour started.
His level of knowledge was phenomenal, extremely impressive and for someone who has clearly explained the same information many, many times over, he still brings the tour and history to life. He was happy to answer the many questions I had and knew the answer to every single one. You can also clearly see his enthusiasm for the job and the history of the tunnels. I've seen many tour guides on my travels and James is one of the best (and I don't say that lightly)....even my partner Kelly enjoyed it!
Due to the weather and the friendliness of the staff, we were in no hurry to leave. It was a pleasure.
For people in a hurry, the audio tour would probably be quicker and sufficient but the guided tour is definitely worth it to fully explain the importance of these rooms and hear the amazing stories around them.
Written 14 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lianath
Olsztyn, Poland89 contributions
Oct 2020
If you are a history buff or simply like mysterious paces- that;s your thing. I would highly recommend buying the combined ticket for all the offered attractions and diligently visiting each and every one. The staff is enthusiastic and share their knowledge with enthusiasm. Actually to my surprise I found it more interesting than War Rooms in London. NOTE: there is one more tour, which has been opened lately- The Unfinished Tunnel- it is striking, amazing and authentic! No staging, the tunnels have been discovered recently and have been untouched for many years, thus giving us the chance to see 'the real thing'. Ask for the tour in Lascaris War Rooms and go!
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonnie151
Livingston, UK318 contributions
Oct 2021
When we arrived we were offered an audio tour or to wait 45 minutes for the next tour. We were quite happy to wait the 45 minutes- there’s a little cafe bit where you can have a coffee while you wait. It was well worth the wait. We ended up being the only people on the tour with Mike. He’d come over to chat with us earlier, giving us recommendations on books to read, and then took us on the tour. He was great- clearly loves doing the tours and brought the war rooms to life. We learned so much about the role of Malta during the war and I’d highly recommend waiting for a tour if you visit.
It’s a great little museum with such friendly helpful staff- the man at the ticket desk was also lovely, giving lots of information and answering questions. At the end of the tour, go back into Valletta via the lift (which was not operating when we were there but there are stairs next to it) instead of from the bottom of the Barraka Gardens for a different perspective.
It’s a great little museum with such friendly helpful staff- the man at the ticket desk was also lovely, giving lots of information and answering questions. At the end of the tour, go back into Valletta via the lift (which was not operating when we were there but there are stairs next to it) instead of from the bottom of the Barraka Gardens for a different perspective.
Written 23 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mymichmashlife
Berlin, Germany56 contributions
Jul 2020
I went right after the opening from COVID and so it was free! Don’t know how long that will last but was a nice surprise. The staff are very friendly and eager for guests. You do have to have a temperature check, and wear a mask. You also have to pay by card only! I paid €2 extra for the Audioguide and I would recommend this as there is not much listed information. The museum consists of 2 floors underground beneath the Barrakka gardens. It’s a process to get there quite a long walk down to the bowels of the city but also quite interesting. You walk through a tunnel that leads into the bunker museum. Architecturally it is fascinating just like the whole city. The rooms are filled with furniture and things from the time of WW2 and looks great. But there is not much printed information. I would have preferred more details! As such allow about 30 minutes tops for the museum.
Written 8 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moira F
Dumfries and Galloway, UK73 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We were pleasantly surprised by this venue. Mike was our guide and the way he explained how the site worked made it all come to life. It is so well preserved you almost hear the noise when it was in use. And the stories of what people did to keep us all safe if worth a visit as a way of paying your respects to those who died. You must go...
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberts69
Northampton, UK18,912 contributions
Jul 2021
Located 40m under the Upper Barracca in Valletta these 'war rooms' represent one of Malta's best kept secrets from WW2. A network of underground chambers and corridors that were the HQ of the British Command during the defence of Malta and the war that was raging in the Mediterranean. A museum and a military heritage monument 'Lascaris War Rooms' are a fascinating place to visit, especially so, but not exclusively, for those that love military history. The Operations Rooms with their large map tables were particularly interesting. Their is also a well stock gift / book shop. Adult entry cost was €13.00 and it was worth every cent. I highly recommend a visit to this amazing War HQ.
Written 18 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeneluxBeerHound
Eindhoven, NL19 contributions
Mar 2022
On our visit we explored the Lascaris War Rooms on a personalised guided tour led by Umberto (official guide, included in the ticket price). Umberto turned out to be an excellent guide: informative, enthusiastic, and with an in-depth knowledge of historical events that brought the exhibition to life. Highly recommended.
Written 13 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlexTheJock
Wigston, UK3,055 contributions
Mar 2022
My wife, myself and two long-time friends were visiting Valletta whilst holidaying in Malta and whilst wandering around the streets noticed a sign for the War Rooms. We were a bit off the beaten track and had never heard of this attraction before, but thought that we would give it a go and we’re certainly glad that we did. Even with the signs it was fairly difficult to find the front door probably due to the direction that we had approached from, but we persevered and were soon at the payment counter. It cost €11 each on the Senior Citizens rate, and this was good value for money as there is quite a lot to see. You are given multimedia devices that tells the story pertinent to the room you have entered. This works brilliantly and most times we would take a seat and listen to all of the commentary, which was informative and enhanced the whole experience. The site has been excellently restored to its former glory and it was so interesting that we spent quite a long time looking at all it had to offer. Well worth a visit.
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CatHarrison501
7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
These war rooms have been restored to a high standard - no obvious damp or mould, which is quite an achievement considering they were previously partially flooded. I don’t think they receive funding either, just entry fee and donations, so even more of an achievement. The tour, courtesy of Mike, was very descriptive and well worth it. There’s a small cafe on site if you arrive early for a tour, there’s also a toilet should you need it, back up the tunnel. You get the key from counter staff.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eleanorferguson
prudhoe97 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
They have brought these rooms back up to what they were like when the Malta defence was being Ng conducted in 1940-43. The guide was excellent and brought it all too life. Malta at one point was the most bombed place on earth.
Also the guide explained the rooms role in the invasion of Sicily in 1943- Op Husky
Also the guide explained the rooms role in the invasion of Sicily in 1943- Op Husky
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there! I want to see the Lascaris Tunnels and the Malta War Headquarters? Are they both on the same tour or separate?
David 🇨🇦
Written 5 February 2023
Mario F
Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta
Hi, They form part of the same complex. The War HQ Tunnels were used between 1940 and early 1943 during eth Air Battle for Malta and the Lascaris War Rooms replaced in May 1943 in time for the launching from them of Operation Husky - the Allied invasion of Sicily when they served as General Eisenhower's Head Quarters. They are two very large underground complexes hence being separated into two distinct visits with separate tickets. the whole of them measures an area of 38,000 square meters of tunnelling. We recommend doing them both either on the same day or on different days. Both went on in use until 1977.
Written 12 March 2024
Λέγομαι Λασκαρης από Ελλάδα.Θα ήθελα να μάθω πότε και με ποια ιδιότητα ο Λάσκαρης άνοιξε το μουσείο?
Written 3 November 2019
Can anyone tell me how long this attraction takes? We are on a tight schedule and wonder if an hour is sufficient?
Thank you!
Written 30 July 2019
Michael
Burscough, United Kingdom
Just!
Written 30 July 2019
Do all the war rooms require one to go through narrow tunnels?
If one suffers from claustrophobia, is there much else to see at Lascaris War rooms?
Written 16 July 2019
I didn't find that the tunnels were claustrophobic, even though I have experienced claustrophobia in small, confined spaces (for example, the Cuu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam).
Written 8 September 2019
I would like to visit this tour, can anyone explain the location so I don’t get lost please ? I’m familiar with most of the capital, is it close to the Malta experience ?
Written 5 May 2018
Start the tour from Upper Barakka and you will be taken to the War Rooms as part of the tour. Upper Barakka is close to Castille, the prime minister's office.
Written 6 May 2018
No it is a voluntary organisation but it's very reasonable.
Written 25 March 2018
I won’t have much time in Valletta (visiting on 1 March) and I’m very keen to get on one of these tours. Does anyone know at what times of day the guided tours run? Also, how long do they last and is the guided tour included in the admission process or is it extra?
Many thanks in advance for your replies.
Written 19 February 2018
Guided tour is included in the price and takes under an hour. Think they are every hour on the hour
Written 20 February 2018
I am still confused about the location of the best entrance to the War rooms for someone with some mobility issues. How do I get to the entrance with the fewest stairs
Written 13 February 2018
Mario F
Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta
Thank you for your query. The easiest way is to approach the War Rooms from the Bus Station at St. James Ditch where all the ground is level. Once you are there you need to enter into Herbert Ganado Gardens by going past a large iron gate across a large archway into the garden proper, turn left into a smaller tunnel the floor of which is part ramp and part steps (about 15 steps). This will bring you into the Lascaris Ditch which is all flat. The war rooms are mostly accessible save for its toilets at present while new ones are being built. I hope that this makes it clearer for you.
Enjoy your visit.
Mario
Written 13 February 2018
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