Birgu (also called Il-Birgu or Vittoriosa) is a small city in Malta that played a vital role in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. It is one of the three best-known cities on this small island nation. Its current population is of 2,691. The city was established in 1530 - 1535 on the Great Harbour of Malta around Fort St. Angelo, and served as Malta's principal harbour with Cospicua and Senglea. When the Knights of St. John arrived in 1530, they made Birgu the capital city of Malta, since the former capital, Mdina, was inland and did not suit their naval requirements. (more...)