Birgu
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Fort_St_Angelo.jpg
Birgu is a small town in Malta that played a vital role in the Siege of Malta in 1565. It is one of the three best-known cities on this small island nation.
The city was established on the Great Harbour of Malta around Fort St. Angelo, and served as Malta's principal harbour. 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.
After the Siege of Malta in 1565, Grandmaster La Vallette decided that Mount Sceberras, the peninsula opposing Birgu, was too open for attack, and decided to build a new capital city, bearing his name, Valletta. After the Siege the Knights also gave Birgu the title Cittą Vittoriosa, Italian for "victorious city".
The parish church is dedicated to St. Lawrence. It is celebrated on August 10. Template:Malta-geo-stub