WWII Shelters
WWII Shelters
4.5
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
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- Leonie T4 contributionsHistory at its finest, a must see!Volunteer Joseph is a lovely and wonderful host. The air raid shelter is in very good condition, it's kept history for all of us to learn from. The enormous space is impressive and gives insight into how citizens survived. There is also an interesting film to watch located in one of the tunnels. My girls enjoyed walking around the spaces and viewing the history. Well worth the visit!Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 12, 2024
- debbie wPreston, United Kingdom10 contributionsA must see!This place is amazing, the tunnels go for miles. There are lifelike models, a film show, displays and sound effects. It’s run by volunteers and the chap we spoke to was very knowledgeable not just about the shelters but Malta and its history too. It’s so reasonably priced, really worth a visit. Such a hidden gem!Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 12, 2024
- Patricia D1 contributionMellieha Air Raid Shelters - a must visit experience in MaltaWe went to visit the WW2 air raid shelters in Mellieha today. It was fascinating to see. Really authentic exhibits and is all run by volunteers. The guide related his experiences during the war, which obviously gave the experience more poignancy as he had lived through it. A must visit experience when you visit Malta.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 25, 2024
- Jon H15 contributionsAuthentic experienceOur second visit, the passages and rooms carved out for shelter during WWII remain unspoiled. Maintained by volunteers, the shelters show what life was like underground while Malta was bombarded by Axis forces. No frills, just as it was in 1942.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 1, 2024
- DaveEffNorthampton, United Kingdom22 contributionsHumbling and inspiring experience.Humbling to visit. Malta suffered horribly during the war and with some imagination this will give you an idea. The gentleman who sold us our tickets (2.40 each) had experience of the wartime shelters so was a privilege to speak with. There isn't a lot to see, lots of tunnels, some set out rooms, info points and a film but the experience is inspiring in itself.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 9, 2024
- Wendy woo SSalisbury, United Kingdom9 contributionsWWII bomb shelters, a must see! 😱What an amazing experience to enter the WWII bomb shelters that were carved out by local inhabitants. The terror of the people that lived there, fled there during intense and prolonged bombing raids was almost palpable. The multilingual guide was so friendly and knowledgeable, he even pointed out fossils uncovered by the excavators and the signature of the original architect. I would recommend visiting this extensive and fascinating site to anyone lucky enough to be staying in Malta.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 13, 2024
- Alan SLeeds, United Kingdom61 contributionsAbsolutely worth it to experience the horror the Maltese experienced during WW2This was an absolutely fabulous, if ultimately horrifying experience. You get to walk thru and explore where Mellieha residents went to shelter during the more than 3000 air raids on Malta. It's run entirely by volunteers so watch the opening times...and it's also used regularly for filming. I won't spoil it beyond saying...just go and experience it.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 23, 2024
- J&P29 contributionsEvocative and moving set of World War II tunnelsEvocative and moving set of World War II tunnels. A very timely reminder of what it is like to be in a warzone where bombs are going off all the time. Enhanced by the man on the door, who used the tunnels from the age of six when the bombing started.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 26, 2024
- Michelle H15 contributionsHidden GemA hidden gem in Mellieha. We'd passed the entrance without realising it was there until other visitors told us about it. At €2.40 each its value for money and quite an eye opener into Malta's contribution to WW2 efforts. Lots of walking on uneven surfaces but a worthwhile visit.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 9, 2024
- Becky CBury St. Edmunds, United Kingdom386 contributionsA must-see step back hidden gemThe welcome was friendly & the guy told us his uncles medals were on display, which we found fascinating, particularly as this is run by volunteers. I was amazed by the eerie stillness of the shelter, & it's great as you can take photos. There is information in multiple languages telling you of the history & a war film to watch, giving a reflection of life in those very tough times. I knew nothing of Malta history but feel this was great for all ages. A must do !! 10/10Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,208 reviews
Excellent
1,394
Very good
662
Average
135
Poor
12
Terrible
5
Manuito
117 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
The WWII shelters in Mellieħa provide an interesting glimpse into what life was like during the war. The entrance fee is less than €3 per adult, and you can see everything in about 15 to 20 minutes, making it a quick but worthwhile stop. The experience gives you a good sense of history, though the site is somewhat neglected.
There are some sharp metal objects at the end of the tunnels, which could be hazardous, especially for young children. Additionally, while the tunnels are interesting, the experience can become repetitive after a short time. Despite these minor issues, it’s still worth a visit for those interested in Malta’s history.
There are some sharp metal objects at the end of the tunnels, which could be hazardous, especially for young children. Additionally, while the tunnels are interesting, the experience can become repetitive after a short time. Despite these minor issues, it’s still worth a visit for those interested in Malta’s history.
Written September 1, 2024
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.
GBJ-Cookies
South Shields, UK1,929 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
These huge underground tunnels give you a real feel of what life was like during the bombing raids of WWII.
Eerie looking mannequins along with personal items give a sense of the confined space that each person had to endure.
An elderly gentleman working on the front desk had first hand experience of life down the tunnels as a child took time out to explain what it was like during the raids.
The cost is just a little over two euros and is well worth 30-45 minutes of your time in Mellieha.
Eerie looking mannequins along with personal items give a sense of the confined space that each person had to endure.
An elderly gentleman working on the front desk had first hand experience of life down the tunnels as a child took time out to explain what it was like during the raids.
The cost is just a little over two euros and is well worth 30-45 minutes of your time in Mellieha.
Written November 24, 2023
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.
Tracyb
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK24 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Such an interesting place, with noises of baby crying, man coughing. It is much bigger than we anticipated. In the first chamber are items in glass cabinets, we then turned right observing things before watching a short film. We felt like we were there with all the anguish and fear. Then we returned walking past the first chamber, and on and on and on. The man on the desk said it would have housed 2000 and took over half an hour to walk the first chamber due to the volume of people.
We were quite sombre for a while reflecting on what we had seen.
Well worth a visit and €2.40 is a bargain to learn so much. Recommend you see for yourself which is why I haven't added photos.
There's bus stop just down the steps.
We were quite sombre for a while reflecting on what we had seen.
Well worth a visit and €2.40 is a bargain to learn so much. Recommend you see for yourself which is why I haven't added photos.
There's bus stop just down the steps.
Written October 12, 2024
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.
Cheryl B
Grimsby, UK4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We were staying at a local hotel when researching what was in the local area i stumbled across this place. It was well worth the couple of euros each to go in, fascinating to see a place where so many folk had to cram in during the war, certainly made you feel how good we have it now, there are artefacts to see and lots of tunnels to explore painstakingly dug out by hand by the people of Malta back then. You can browse at your leisure spending as long or as little time as you like plus the gentleman at the door was very friendly and informative and took our young son outside to show him fossils in the walls, He was very helpful and answered all the questions we had and even gave us a little tip off that there'd be a huge firework display taking place that night that we would see from our hotel if we want outside at a certain time. All in all i totally recommend a visit here whilst in the area.
Written August 22, 2023
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.
juliaandadam123
Ashford, UK1,978 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We really enjoyed our visit to the shelters. Although short, it was very sweet! Just over €2 each and unlimited time to look around, watch the short film and read the display boards. More than anything else it was very humbling to be in a space where so many had crowded to save their lives.
Written August 16, 2023
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.
Rachel D
Liverpool, UK6 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Great place to visit with an interesting collection of wartime artefacts. Entrance is very reasonably priced and the shelter is large with information displayed on boards throughout.
The man working there was great, very informative not only about the shelter itself but also very knowledgeable about Malta's important role during the war. It was fascinating hearing his own personal connection to the items on display and really enhanced our visit. You can tell that preserving the history is a real labour of love for him!
The man working there was great, very informative not only about the shelter itself but also very knowledgeable about Malta's important role during the war. It was fascinating hearing his own personal connection to the items on display and really enhanced our visit. You can tell that preserving the history is a real labour of love for him!
Written August 24, 2024
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.
gábor n
Sliema, Malta1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Couples
It's a wonderful place! A very beautiful exhibition, bringing history close to people and making it tangible. They were very kind in answering our questions, telling us about the problems of the time, what life was like for the Maltese during WW II. We had some cash problems, which were solved very courteously and helpfully by the museum manager.
Written January 2, 2025
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.
Trip137272
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Hidden gem tucked away on a stairwell surrounded by a magnificent church and square. This museum is well worth the 20 minute walk up the hill from Mellieha bay. It showcases how the Maltese dealt with WW2 along 500metres of tunnels. The volunteer patron was very knowledgeable and helpful. Visit the shelter, then relax in the square/piazza with a coffee or ice cream!
Written June 1, 2023
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.
Laurence Palmer
United Kingdom44 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Brilliant and well worth the stop.
We took the bus to visit the WWII Shelter in October 2021 and we are so glad we did.
We are staying in Sliema so took the bus for just €2 up to the little town where the shelter is situated. The 222 bus takes you right there.
The bus stop was almost directly outside of the main entrance and next to a beautiful old monastery overlooking the ocean.
The WWII shelter was fantastically preserved and interesting posters and artefacts made this more the worth while.
Tickets are incredibly cheap!!
The gentleman on the door was extremely polite and took time to answer questions and went onto talk about the role of the shelter in WWII.
I can’t thank the gentleman enough and I’m gutted not to have obtained his name to put on here…
To talk about the shelter, the town and Malta was quite fascinating.
The shelter itself is interesting but also rather chilling, providing a feeling of how horrible it must have been to be down there when the bombs were being dropped.
Thank you.
We highly recommend this venue as a place to visit…
The 111 bus runs straight from there to Popeye village so consider it as a stop on the way through.
Nice little shop and restaurant nearby too.
We took the bus to visit the WWII Shelter in October 2021 and we are so glad we did.
We are staying in Sliema so took the bus for just €2 up to the little town where the shelter is situated. The 222 bus takes you right there.
The bus stop was almost directly outside of the main entrance and next to a beautiful old monastery overlooking the ocean.
The WWII shelter was fantastically preserved and interesting posters and artefacts made this more the worth while.
Tickets are incredibly cheap!!
The gentleman on the door was extremely polite and took time to answer questions and went onto talk about the role of the shelter in WWII.
I can’t thank the gentleman enough and I’m gutted not to have obtained his name to put on here…
To talk about the shelter, the town and Malta was quite fascinating.
The shelter itself is interesting but also rather chilling, providing a feeling of how horrible it must have been to be down there when the bombs were being dropped.
Thank you.
We highly recommend this venue as a place to visit…
The 111 bus runs straight from there to Popeye village so consider it as a stop on the way through.
Nice little shop and restaurant nearby too.
Written October 5, 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.
Jonathan K
Chester, UK128 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
It's funny how something so basic and simple can take you by surprise ! We were expecting a 'dusty tunnel', to have a quick peek and kill some time .... quite the reverse ... it was wonderful !
The hand-hewn tunnels went on and on and the story felt so real - you could just image how fretful and scary it must have been down there. I just adore museums that have no airs and graces, just have simple and relevant artifacts in their original settings and are unique and this is one of them them.
No tearoom, gift shop or guide books here .... just an authentic experience and a friendly, informative person to take your €2.50. Such good value !
The hand-hewn tunnels went on and on and the story felt so real - you could just image how fretful and scary it must have been down there. I just adore museums that have no airs and graces, just have simple and relevant artifacts in their original settings and are unique and this is one of them them.
No tearoom, gift shop or guide books here .... just an authentic experience and a friendly, informative person to take your €2.50. Such good value !
Written November 7, 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.
How much time should we allow for a visit? I am coordinating a private driver and need to advise when he should pick us up. Thank you.
Written March 30, 2024
Is this place suitable for someone with walking difficulties.
Written October 22, 2023
Yes, go at your own pace.
This is your experience and your the most important person to visit during your time.
To them and to you.
Written October 23, 2023
I'm thinking about Covid. How many people are in the shelter at one time? Is it crowded? Masks? Anything else?
Written March 28, 2022
I have never seen it busy and this time we used amask as requested. we were there for 3 weeks and flew home an march 12th
Check out the Covid 19 guide lines now!
Written March 29, 2022
Is this close to Popeye’s village? Can they be done in same day? Walking? Taxi? We are going to be dropped off at Popeye Village then thought of going here since we will be in this side of island...
Written May 30, 2019
1.8 km distance, just go down to the bus station and take the bus 101 to Popeye's Village.
Written July 15, 2019
Hi are there guided tour times ? Thanks. Paul.
Written October 21, 2018
Not that I know of :)
There was just one guy who sold us the tickets ( 2 per face) and the we just explored the place ourselves.
Written November 4, 2018
Wo ist der Eingang dort?
Ist das ausgeschildert?
Written May 25, 2018
Ja, der Eingang ist beschildert allerdings die Zugänge eher weniger. Der Bunker ist ganz in der Nähe bei der Kirche in der Fussgängerzone.
Written October 5, 2018
Hi, I'm going to Mellieha next month and want to know the address for his place so I know how far away it is from my hotel. My hotel is the Luna Holiday Complex, if anyone knows how far away it is that would be great! Thank you!
Written May 22, 2016
you could literly walk up the hill opposite the underground church very easy stroll say about 11 minutes
Written September 20, 2016
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