Malta Submits Initial Application for Expanded UNESCO World Heritage Status for Historic Fortifications

Malta Seeks Enhanced UNESCO Recognition for Historic Defenses

Malta has officially submitted an initial application to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to expand the recognition of its historic fortifications. The submission, advanced by the Ministry for Culture, the Arts and Local Government and Malta's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, seeks to add the extensive network of fortifications surrounding Valletta, the Cottonera, Santa Margerita, Mdina, and the Cittadella in Gozo to the prestigious World Heritage List. The proposed inscription title is 'The Maltese Fortifications of the Knights of St John'.

A Legacy of Strategic Military Architecture

The fortifications included in this application represent centuries of strategic military engineering and played a pivotal role in Malta's history. While the fortified city of Valletta has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, this new application aims to extend that inscription to encompass a broader collection of defensive structures. These impressive defenses were largely constructed by the Order of St. John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller, between the 16th and 18th centuries, transforming the island into a formidable fortress.

• The Valletta fortifications, designed by Italian military engineer Francesco Laparelli after the Great Siege of 1565, are considered among the most impressive military structures in Europe.
• The Cottonera Lines, also known as the Valperga Lines, were built in the 17th century by the Knights of St. John to protect the Three Cities and the Grand Harbour from potential Ottoman attacks.
• Mdina, Malta's ancient capital, boasts fortifications with origins dating back to the Phoenicians, with significant enhancements made by the Order of St. John. Mdina, along with the Cittadella in Gozo, has been on Malta's tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1998.

The Rigorous UNESCO Evaluation Process

The initial application has been submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, with the final submission deadline set for February 1, 2026. Following this, the application will undergo a thorough scrutiny and evaluation process by international consultants, including ICOMOS International. The ultimate decision on the inscription will be made by the World Heritage Committee, which comprises 21 member states.

Malta already has several sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the Megalithic Temples of Malta (an extension of the Ġgantija Temples inscription from 1980) and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, both inscribed in 1980 and 1992 respectively. Culture Minister Owen Bonnici stated that this application is the culmination of years of dedicated work, extensive studies, and consultations with both local and international experts. Prime Minister Robert Abela has also underscored the government's commitment to preserving Malta's cultural identity through such initiatives.