The building that today serves as the premises of Xjenza Malta has an extraordinary history dating back to the 17th century. The main Villa, was designed in 1675 by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa to serve as a private summer residence for the Italian Knight and Prior of Capua, Fra Giovanni Bichi.
In the 19th century, when the Maltese Islands were under British Rule, the Villa passed into the hands of the Civil Government and in 1827, King George IV gave permission to the Admiralty to transform the building into a naval hospital. The foundation stone of Royal Naval Hospital Bighi was laid on March 23rd, 1830. For years, this hospital contributed to the nursing and medical care of most of the casualties that occurred in the Mediterranean during the Crimean Wars, World War I and World War II.
Perched on the edge of Kalkara’s Grand Harbour, Esplora is known as Malta’s vibrant interactive science centre—but hidden within its walls lies a rich, centuries-old story waiting to be explored. Beginning May 2025, Esplora opens its doors to the past with a new series of curated history tours that bring the fascinating legacy of Villa Bighi to life.
With the help of Nurse Watson, who will serve as a virtual guide for this tour, come and walk in the footsteps of nurses who worked at the hospital. The tour also gives some insights on the various patients that were treated within these exhibit halls, which once served as hospital wards. Check the Insanity Ward as well as the Surgical Wards and observe the shrapnel damage which is still set in stone from the heavy bombings on the hospital during World War II.
Download the Self-Led History tour brochure from here and follow the trail to experience some very interesting historical facts about these premises!
We welcome guests seeking a family-friendly experience, blending Malta’s rich heritage with hands-on science. Set within the historic Royal Naval Hospital and 17th-century Villa Bighi, visitors may enjoy immersive science exhibits, stunning Grand Harbour views, and scheduled history tours throughout the week.
Guests may enjoy a regular visit to Esplora, exploring the Centre freely and at their own pace. If they wish to enrich their experience, they may also take on our History Trail, a fun and educational quest that brings the site’s story to life. This option offers flexibility, comfort, and discovery, with access to all daily public outputs: Planetarium shows, Science Shows, Workshops, and History Tours, according to age recommendations and availability.
The site is fully accessible, offering wheelchair- and mobility-friendly routes, lift access, and shaded outdoor areas. A cafeteria is available on site. Premium beverage options (beer, wine, champagne) can also be arranged at an additional cost.
Visitors may enjoy the below guided options:
When: Every Thursday at 1:00 PM | Duration: 30 minutes | Cost: Free (Entry ticket required)
Location: Cot Lift
Experience: Immerse yourself in the captivating story of Villa Bighi, from its historic roots to its transformation into a modern Science Centre. This short storytelling session brings key figures, events, and anecdotes to life, making history accessible and engaging.
Recommended for: Casual visitors, history enthusiasts, and first-time guests.
Alternate Weekend History Delight
When: Every other Saturday & Sunday / Public Holidays | Duration: 1.5 hours | Cost: Free (Entry ticket required) Meeting Point: Reception Area
Experience: Take a guided journey through Villa Bighi’s outdoor areas and the Cot Lift. This in-depth tour explores architectural features, historical milestones, and fascinating stories that shaped Malta’s heritage.
Recommended for: Ages 10+; families, local history lovers, and returning visitors.
Booking: Pre-book via email, or at the ticket desk (subject to availability).
Ideal for guests seeking a meaningful and entertaining land and shore excursion, this immersive package blends science, history, and authentic Maltese flavours through:
Additional Details:
Below you may also find some highlights which are aimed at our Hospitality Partners.
Esplora, a flagship project of XjenzaMalta, reflects the organisation’s mission to inspire curiosity, promote scientific thinking, and enrich Malta’s cultural and educational landscape.
We greatly value our collaboration with Malta’s hospitality and tourism professionals. As trusted ambassadors who shape visitors’ first impressions of our islands, your role is essential and we are committed to supporting you with meaningful benefits, useful resources, and memorable experiences that you can confidently recommend to your guests.
⭐ Why Esplora? A Unique and Sellable Visitor Experience
Esplora is Malta’s only interactive science centre: an all-weather, family-friendly attraction located in the iconic grounds of the former Bighi promontory, overlooking Valletta’s Grand Harbour. With over 200 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art Planetarium, and historical heritage tours, Esplora offers a complete half-day or full-day experience that appeals to diverse markets and is easy for tourism professionals to package.
⭐ Exclusive Benefits for Hospitality & Tourism Partners
Partners may request a personalised familiarisation meeting with Ms Charmaine Bugeja. This includes a guided walkaround, an introduction to Esplora’s services, and an overview of what guests can expect—ideal for front-office teams, reservations staff, and sales departments.
Local guides are encouraged to visit Esplora upon presenting their MTA guide tag. Useful for research, familiarisation, and planning guided experiences.
Join us for exhibition previews, special events, and professional networking opportunities prior to public opening.
Assistance with group visits, tailored itineraries, and Luzzu transfer logistics.
Easy access to our online brochures, educational material, history tours and updated content.
⭐ Operational Advantages for Tourism Partners
We understand that smooth logistics and reliability matter. Esplora offers:
⭐ Reachable by Land or Sea: Sail to Science
This sustainable initiative offers a direct Luzzu connection from Sliema and Valletta using a solar-powered traditional luzzu with:
This experience transforms the journey into part of the attraction.
⭐ Who Is Esplora Ideal For?
Esplora fits perfectly into multiple tourism segments:
⭐ A Partner You Can Rely On
At Esplora, we believe hospitality professionals do more than welcome visitors… you create memorable stories.
We are here to help you enrich those stories with culture, history, and hands-on science! Supported by VisitMalta, Esplora advances its mission to make science accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for all, enriching Malta’s tourism offering with discovery, curiosity, and innovation. Whenever possible, we would be happy to tailor the package to align with your clients’ needs and timings.
We welcome the opportunity to meet you onsite to take you around at a time convenient for you and your team so can experience Esplora firsthand.
You can download the full pdf document HERE.
If you like to learn more CLICK HERE to see more videos about Villa Bichi
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Whether you’re a solo explorer or planning your next group outing, Esplora’s Villa Bighi history tours offer a rare chance to walk through the layers of Malta’s scientific and cultural past.
Bookings & Info:
📧 info@esplora.org.mt
📞 +356 2360 2249 / +356 2360 2300
