Birgu forms part of the area known as The Three Cities, which embraces the three fortified hamlets of Birgu, Cospicua and Senglea. Whilst Senglea and Cospicua were established with the arrival of the Knights, Birgu has even older historical roots that may be traced to the Phoenician era.
During the Great Siege of 1565, the area was besieged by the Turks, however the Knights successfully repelled the invaders, earning Birgu the title of 'Città Vittoriosa'.
Birgu acted as the isle's capital from 1530 until 1571 when, upon completing the construction of Valletta, the Order moved its seat across the Grand Harbour.