The Dark History of Valletta - Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Valletta is an old city, with dark stories to tell.
This walking tour begins at the Triton Fountain at the entrance to Valletta, and will teach you the truth about the Maltese capital's shocking and bloody past.
You'll learn what Jean de Valette, the capital’s founder, really thought of Malta and the Maltese, and you'll hear why hundreds of boys once entered a church in the city - but did not come out alive.
The dark streets will also reveal how the ghost of 16th-century knight Sir Oliver Starkey threw parties in the 1990s, and how he's still disturbing the peace today.
You'll hear about shocking crimes of passion, a friar who was poisoned in his priory, and discover the strange legend of Nelson’s Hook, named after the famous British admiral.
All this and more on The Dark History of Valletta tour.
Please note: Valletta has hills and some steps so a reasonable amount of fitness is required
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Dark history stories from Malta's capital city
What To Expect
Valletta
Your dark history walking tour will take in the streets of Malta's capital city, Valletta. You'll hear how the ghost of 16th Century knight Oliver Starkey threw parties in the 1990s - and how he was eventually persuaded to stop disturbing the neighbours; the shocking letter that a lovesick man sent to his lover shortly before he murdered her; and why over a hundred boys entered a church but never came out. You’ll also learn the truth about Jean de Valette, the founder of Malta's capital city, and the hidden meanings behind a grotesque statue that watches over the people in Valletta, right above their heads. All this, and more, on the Dark History of Valletta walking tour.
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The Dark History of Valletta - Walking Tour
Reviews
48 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Stories you won't hear anywhere else
orrg2025,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I booked a private tour with Mario and it was worth every penny. His background as a journalist was what we loved the most, he handpicks stories you won't hear anywhere else and does independent research into each one, sharing details from interviews he's conducted, or pulling out his iPad to read you a real letter he dug out of the archives. A true master of his craft, he's an engaging storyteller and attentive to his audience. Highly recommended!
Walk through the dark history.
natalietH7986PZ,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour, amazing guide. Enjoyed a different view and stories .have done many tours in the past. This was different and learnt new things. Left me hungry for more information.
Cool Stories and Themes
Samuel N,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The stories were told very well and loudly, they are about a wide variety of topics and geek through a large part of the city. Overall highly recommended!
1st, choose Dark Malta walking Tours walking tours over all others!
Samuel B,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's clear that Mario has been super obsessed with the secret side of Maltese history for years and has now cooked up some rip-roaring yarns using verified accounts from the archives, keeping his audience glued to their seats for a whopping 2.5 hours, going way beyond everyone's expectation
Amazing experience
U4341KSmandyv,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the absolute pleasure of touring Valletta with Mario, and it was nothing short of amazing. From the moment the tour began, his passion for Maltese history and culture was contagious. Rich with fascinating facts, local legends, and personal insights that made the experience feel truly special.
A great experience
keith s,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very Well organised tour with superb knowledge. Mario had the full attention of his audience whilst telling each story. Well worth the visit and would definitely book another again with him.
Amazing experience
X8080MTgiuseppep,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very knowledgeable and great guy, the tour was very interesting, some real dark stories and I loved knowing about the most haunted house in Malta ! Definitely recommended tour guide!
Great intro tour!
859wesw,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mario is super entertaining, and the tour was well worth the low cost! Great intro to Malta! Friends have done the same tour several times and recommended it--so glad they did!
Dark tour of Valletta
Trail55433668447,
Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I heard plenty of details, interesting hidden history of Valletta, I was so excited, thanks Mario, see you on the next tour
fantastic tour
kevinmN4075UR,
Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant tour!!! Mario (Dark Malta Tours) is funny, knowledgeable, and a very good guide! Thanks for the experience.
From €20.00
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Operated by Dark Malta Tours