The Secret Story of Malta: A new cultural experience on the Valletta Waterfront
Valletta Cruise Port has introduced an exciting new attraction that blends history, folklore, theatre and the island’s enduring maritime spirit. Cagliostro & The Pirate Queen – The Secret Story of Malta is a unique street theatrical production created for guests seeking to explore the history of Malta in an entertaining manner.
Presented every Tuesday on the Valletta Waterfront, the 20-minute performance offers visitors with an engaging introduction to Malta’s rich cultural heritage in an easily accessible location within walking distance from their cruise ship. The experience combines theatre, music, captivating storytelling and humour against the spectacular backdrop of the Grand Harbour.
Rather than presenting a conventional historical re-enactment, The Secret Story of Malta draws inspiration from the island’s legends and historical mysteries.
At its centre stands the enigmatic Count Alessandro Cagliostro, the mysterious eighteenth-century adventurer, alchemist and traveller whose time in Malta has intrigued historians for generations. His story intertwines with that of the Pirate Queen, a fictional heroine inspired by the fearless corsairs and seafaring traditions that once dominated the Mediterranean. Together they invite audiences into a world where myth, history and imagination meet.
This imaginative approach allows visitors to experience Malta through storytelling rather than chronology, creating an emotional connection with the destination while remaining rooted in its remarkable maritime heritage.
Admission is free, making it an accessible experience for independent travellers, organised groups and families alike. Following the performance, guests can enjoy the restaurants, cafés and shops along Valletta Waterfront which together with Valletta Cruise Port are supporting this production.
The performance also reflects the growing demand for immersive storytelling, where destinations are experienced through their legends, personalities and traditions rather than solely through historical facts.
Malta has long stood at the crossroads of Mediterranean civilizations. Knights, merchants, sailors, corsairs and travellers have all left their mark on the islands, creating centuries of stories that continue to inspire visitors today.
This production is an invitation to discover Malta beyond its monuments, revealing the imagination, mystery and maritime character that have shaped the Maltese Islands for centuries.
