WWII Shelters, Central Region Travel Guide

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Explore the depths of Malta's WWII history in Mellieħa's remarkable underground shelters. A poignant reminder of wartime resilience.

Delve into the heart of Malta's WWII history at the Mellieħa WWII Shelters, one of the island's largest underground shelter complexes. Dug by hand starting in 1941, these extensive tunnels offered refuge to thousands during relentless Axis bombings. Today, the shelters serve as a museum, providing a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who sought safety within its walls.

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 and damp, even in summer, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Allow at least an hour to fully explore the tunnels and exhibits.
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, very close to the Parish Church. From the Mellieħa bus stop, walk along Triq il-Kappillan Magri, where you'll find the shelters. The entrance is located down a set of stairs.
Public Transport

Several bus routes serve Mellieħa, including routes 41, 42, 49, X1, 101, 221, and 222. These buses connect Mellieħa to various points on the island, including Valletta and the airport. From the Mellieħa bus stop, the shelters are a short walk away. A single bus fare is approximately €2.50 in the summer.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and eCabs are readily available throughout Malta. A taxi from the Malta International Airport to Mellieħa will cost approximately €30-40 and take around 30-40 minutes. From anywhere in Mellieha, a taxi to the shelters will be a short and inexpensive ride.
Driving

If driving, follow signs for Mellieħa. Once in town, look for Triq il-Kappillan Magri. Limited street parking is available near the church. Parking is free, but spaces fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Consider arriving early. Several car parks are available in Mellieha.

Discover more about WWII Shelters

The Mellieħa WWII Shelters offer a compelling and immersive journey into Malta's wartime experience. As World War II intensified and Malta became a strategic target in the Mediterranean, the island's residents sought refuge from the constant aerial bombardment. In Mellieħa, a network of rock-cut shelters was painstakingly dug by hand, beginning in July 1941, eventually stretching half a kilometer in length.These shelters became a lifeline for the community, providing refuge for not only the 3,842 residents of Mellieħa but also over a thousand displaced individuals from other parts of the island. Within the tunnels, space was allocated, and families even carved out private rooms. The complex also housed essential facilities, including a maternity hospital, a clinic, and a secure area for storing national treasures from the Valletta Museum.Today, the Mellieħa WWII Shelters stand as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into this underground world. Restored at the beginning of the 21st century and opened in 2004, the museum features displays of gas masks, digging tools, and recreated scenes of shelter life. Walking through the tunnels, visitors can gain a sense of the conditions and the resilience of the Maltese people during those turbulent years.