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Lascaris War Rooms

Lascaris War Rooms, Valletta

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Lascaris War Rooms

See all things to do
See all things to do
Lascaris War Rooms
4.5
4,056
#2 of 99 things to do in Valletta
Military Museums • Historic Sites • Battlefields
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
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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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Popular mentions
4.5
4,057 reviews
Excellent
3,197
Very good
639
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158
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20
Gina G
13 contributions
Exceptional experience in Malta
Jan 2022 • Couples
This place was fascinating. Mike, our incredible guide, made history come alive as we toured the war rooms. His passion and knowledge really enhanced our experience. Highly recommend visiting here and going on the guided tour.
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Keith Joseph B
3 contributions
A True Experience, Not Just a Walk-Through
Dec 2021 • Friends
I am Maltese and I consider myself to be adequately read in Maltese history. However, this place has revealed truths that no Maltese history book has ever shared. The Lascaris War Rooms are riddled with secrets, events and realities which made me realise, for the first time ever, how actually significant and instrumental Malta was and still is! We always learned this at school, but here, you get to experience it. I went twice in two weeks to this place, with the second making me feel like it was my first. It is an experience. You can easily picture the activity that went on in these rooms: imagining the noise, the rush, the thought processes, the phones ringing: it's too immersive! I strongly recommend taking the tour, as the tour guides were especially passionate in sharing with us the stories that happened. They also employed their personalities into it: the first tour was with Mike, who had a military background, and therefore shared with us the events by going into detail through a military point of view. He gave a very in depth detail of the realities that pilots used to experience, the invasion of Sicily (again from a strategic point of view), and the realities that soldiers and employees at the Lascaris used to face on a daily basis. Mike is capable of giving you the feel of what it was like to be there, even giving an insight in how relationships and friendships were formed in such a busy place. The second was with Umberto, an archeologist who studied about Maltese history and archeology in Italy. His knowledge on Malta is beyond anything I've heard, and we actually believe that very very very few in Malta could compare to what he knows, even at University level! So his tour was much more based on the technical aspect of the events, reasoning with us why certain decisions were taken, how and why Maltese people were employed, the importance of women and showing us deeper secrets, like a particular secret door. He also used pictures to help us paint a better picture in our minds, which made his stories even more tangible. Both Mike and Umberto were like storytellers, but one used military realism and the other gave a more detailed and technical account of the story. It is truly a unique experience, as you're not discovering the place and events, but you feel as if you're part of the story itself! In my case, it was the place that made me appreciate Malta more!
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BT3rd
Datchet, UK5,744 contributions
History come to life
Jan 2022 • Couples
Mike was our exceptional guide on this very informative and amazing insight on how the Battle for Malta was organised in these small but significant rooms cut our of the rock in Valletta. Then later the invasion of Sicily showing us where Eisenhower planned Operation Husky.
Mike brought to life the part played in these underground bunkers all the while remembering those actually in combat above.
If you have any interest in history these war rooms are a must.
Written January 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Isabelle
Brussels, Belgium13 contributions
A hidden underground gem
Jan 2022
We took the guided visit of the underground WWII tunnels. Our guide, Mike, could answer any question on the role of the British on Malta during WWII, how they organised their aerial operations, how they strategised and how planned their military operations in the Laskaris War Rooms. In fact, if you can't get Mike to show you around, I'm not sure you can grasp the importance of this underground gem and all the secrets it holds!
Written January 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sarah X
1 contribution
Great experience
Jan 2022
It was a great experience and was worth every second! The tour guide (Umberto) was very knowledgeable and made it very interesting for us. Highly recommend this place and will surely visit again!
Written January 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sherry
8 contributions
Fascinating piece of history
Jan 2022
We took the guided tour (with Mike) and it was excellent. He provided a great overview of the operations that took place there, and discussed how operation Husky (the invasion of Sicily) was managed from these rooms. Most interesting was getting a sense of just how cramped and chaotic the area must have been during the war years. the other parts of the museum are good as well - particularly the focus on the stories of some of the people involved.
Written January 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
paddy m
Belfast, UK20 contributions
Do not miss - it's only an hour of your time!
Dec 2021
Superb way to end our visit to Valletta. Really great way to spend 1 to 2 hours - perfect for us as we had an afternoon flight - put me in the mood to watch a war movie on the flight home.

On arrival, Mike offered to give us the tour. Ex RAF and has encyclopedic knowledge of all things war-y. But unlike an encyclopedia brings life to the facts through great anecdotes and stories.

Without doubt, one of the highlights of our trip to Malta and would be a real shame to miss. I get the feeling that the museum has to fight hard for public funding and it is well worth showing support for.
Written January 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wingroveowens
Greater London, UK4 contributions
A historical gem
Nov 2021
I cannot believe that I had not visited this little gem before. It's an amazing gem of a place with fantastic knowledgeable staff. Ask if you need an accessible path otherwise there are a lot of steps. There is so much history in this small place, a small gift shop and cafe. If you are interested in the history of Malta this place shows you and makes you feel the history.
Written January 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alan A
11 contributions
Interesting, educational and enjoyable!
Dec 2021
A really well presented overview of the the battle in the Mediterranean with Malta at the heart of it during WWII. Mike was an extremely knowledgeable guide who made history come alive. Definitely worth a visit.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dive I
Island of Malta, Malta61 contributions
Not to be missed
Dec 2021
The Lascaris War Rooms are an underground complex of tunnels and chambers in Valletta, Malta that housed the War Headquarters from where the defence of the island was conducted during the Second World War Not to be missed if you are interested in this period of history.
Written December 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lascaris War Rooms
Lascaris War Rooms is open:
  • Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Lascaris War Rooms tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Lascaris War Rooms tours on Tripadvisor
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