WWII Shelters, Blue Grotto Travel Guide

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Explore hand-dug WWII shelters in Mellieħa, Malta, offering a glimpse into civilian life during the Siege of Malta and the island's wartime resilience.

Delve into the heart of Mellieħa's history with a visit to the WWII Shelters, an extensive underground complex hand-dug by locals seeking refuge from relentless Axis bombings. These shelters offer a poignant glimpse into civilian life during the Siege of Malta.

A brief summary to WWII Shelters

X966+2G8, Triq il-Kappillan Magri, Mellieħa, MT
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Monday 9 am-3 pm
Tuesday 9 am-3 pm
Wednesday 9 am-3 pm
Thursday 9 am-3 pm
Friday 9 am-3 pm
Saturday 9 am-3 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring WWII Shelters.

Wear comfortable shoes as the shelter floor can be uneven.
The shelters can be cool, even on a hot day, so bring a light jacket.
Photography is permitted, so bring your camera to capture the unique atmosphere.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Mellieħa Parish Church for panoramic views.

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Getting There

Walking

The WWII Shelters are located in the heart of Mellieħa, near the Parish Church. From most points in the town center, it's a short walk uphill to Triq il-Kappillan Magri. The shelters are on a stairway connecting Misraħ il-Parroċċa and Triq Il-Marfa. Look for signs near the church.
Public Transport

Mellieħa is well-served by Malta Public Transport. Several bus routes stop near the Parish Church, including routes from Valletta (e.g., route 41). From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the shelters. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 in summer.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Malta. A taxi from the Mellieha Bay area to the WWII Shelters would be a short ride. Expect to pay around €13-19 for a 5km trip within Mellieha. Taxis can drop you off near the Parish Church, from where it is a short walk to the shelters.

Discover more about WWII Shelters

The Mellieħa WWII Shelters are a testament to the resilience and fortitude of the Maltese people during one of the most challenging periods in their history. Dug entirely by hand, beginning in July 1941, this extensive network of underground tunnels provided refuge for the town's population and refugees from across the island during the intense aerial bombardments of World War II. The shelters stretch over 500 meters, reaching a depth of 12 meters, and represent one of the largest shelter complexes in Malta.Inside this subterranean world, you'll discover a network of corridors and rooms that once accommodated entire families, a maternity section, and even a guarded chamber for national treasures. The tunnels could house not only the 3,842 residents of Mellieħa but also 1,117 displaced individuals from other parts of the island. Each person was allocated a mere two square feet of space, although families could apply to dig their own private rooms off the main tunnels.Today, the shelters serve as a museum, offering visitors a hauntingly realistic glimpse into wartime life. Mannequins and furnishings recreate the cramped conditions, while displays of gas masks and digging tools evoke the atmosphere of the era. The Mellieħa WWII Shelters stand as a powerful reminder of the hardships endured by the Maltese civilian population and their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.