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Lascaris War Rooms: Malta's WWII Command Center

Step back in time at the Lascaris War Rooms, the secret WWII headquarters where Malta's defense and Allied victories were planned.

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Delve into the heart of Malta's WWII history at the Lascaris War Rooms, a secret underground complex in Valletta that served as the Allied headquarters during the war. Explore the tunnels and chambers where critical decisions were made, including the planning of Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily.

A brief summary to The Lascaris War Rooms

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance for a more affordable and convenient visit.
  • Join a guided tour to gain in-depth insights into the history and operations of the war rooms.
  • Visit early in the day to avoid larger crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking through various levels of the underground complex.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Lascaris War Rooms are located near the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. From the city center (Republic Street), walk towards the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Continue towards Lascaris Ditch; the entrance to the War Rooms is at the end of the street. The walk is approximately 10 minutes from the main square.

  • Public Transport

    All buses to Valletta will bring you within walking distance of the Lascaris War Rooms. From the Valletta bus terminal, walk towards Castille Place/Upper Barrakka Gardens. Take the steps in Battery Street, or walk from the bus station (Saint James Ditch end) into Ganado Gardens. Both routes are well signposted. The walk to the War Rooms is approximately 10 minutes. A single bus fare is approximately €3.

  • Car

    Drive to Valletta and look for parking options outside the city gates, as Valletta is mostly pedestrian-friendly. The closest parking facility is the Valletta Waterfront Parking. From the parking area, walk towards Lascaris Ditch, about a 10-minute walk. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €1.50-€3 per hour.

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Discover more about The Lascaris War Rooms

The Lascaris War Rooms, located 150 feet beneath Valletta's Upper Barrakka Gardens, are a network of underground tunnels and chambers that served as Britain's War Headquarters in Malta during World War II. Constructed in 1940, the complex was initially used to coordinate the air defenses of Malta as the island was heavily bombed by Axis forces. The location was chosen for its natural protection against air raids. The War Rooms played a crucial role in the defense of the Mediterranean shipping routes and housed the headquarters of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. It was from here that the defense of Malta was coordinated, and later, the Allied invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky) was planned in 1943 by General Eisenhower and his commanders. The complex remained a military stronghold, later serving as the headquarters for the Royal Navy's Mediterranean Fleet and then as a strategic communication center for NATO until 1977. Today, the Lascaris War Rooms are open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the original war rooms, complete with vintage equipment, maps, and operational setups as they were during the war. The rooms include the Sector Operations Room, Filter Room, Combined Operations room, and the Anti-Aircraft Guns Operations Room. The museum offers guided tours and audio guides to provide historical context and bring the rooms to life.

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