The Lascaris War Rooms, Central Region Travel Guide

Hidden beneath Valletta's historic streets lies the Lascaris War Rooms, a fascinating underground complex that played a pivotal role in World War II. Carved deep into the rock, 150 feet under the Upper Barrakka Gardens, these secret tunnels and chambers served as Britain's War Headquarters in Malta. From here, the defense of the island and all offensive operations in the Mediterranean were directed.Constructed in 1940, the Lascaris War Rooms were named after Giovanni Paolo Lascaris, a Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller. The location was strategically chosen for its natural protection against air raids. The complex housed operations rooms for the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, functioning as a central hub for communication and strategic planning. The rooms were equipped with cryptographic devices and automatic ventilation. The complex remained a secret throughout the conflict.Inside, visitors can explore the restored war rooms, complete with original maps, vintage telephone and radio equipment, and other artifacts. Key areas include the RAF Sector Fighter Control Room, the Filter Room, and the Combined Operations Room. The Lascaris War Rooms also served as the advance Allied HQ for Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, in 1943, led by General Eisenhower and his commanders.After the war, the complex continued to be used by the Royal Navy and later by NATO to track Soviet submarines during the Cold War. The war rooms were closed in 1977 and restored in 2009 by the Malta Heritage Trust and opened to the public. Today, the Lascaris War Rooms offer a unique glimpse into Malta's military past and the strategic importance of the island during World War II.