Capucini Naval Cemetery Kalkara
A serene and meticulously maintained cemetery in Kalkara, Malta, honoring over 1000 casualties from WWI and WWII, including a unique section for Japan...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Best light for reflection
Capucini Naval Cemetery Kalkara
Best Time
Best light for reflection

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene and meticulously maintained cemetery in Kalkara, Malta, honoring over 1000 casualties from WWI and WWII, including a unique section for Japanese sailors.
"A beautifully maintained and serene resting place, offering a poignant glimpse into history and sacrifice."
🚶♀️ Easy to Explore
The cemetery is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it simple to pay your respects. :athletic_shoe:
📚 Read the Visitor's Book
Discover unexpected and moving stories of those buried here. A truly insightful experience. :book:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Japanese Naval Graves
Capucini Naval Cemetery
A poignant section dedicated to fallen Japanese sailors from WWI, a unique historical marker in Malta.

WW1 and WW2 Casualties
Capucini Naval Cemetery
Over 1000 graves from both World Wars, a testament to the sacrifices made in these global conflicts.

Serene Atmosphere
Capucini Naval Cemetery
A beautifully maintained and peaceful resting place, offering a quiet space for reflection and remembrance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
Getting There
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy to Explore
The cemetery is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it simple to pay your respects. :athletic_shoe:
📚 Read the Visitor's Book
Discover unexpected and moving stories of those buried here. A truly insightful experience. :book:
🇯🇵 Unique Japanese Section
Don't miss the section for Japanese sailors, a surprising historical find in Malta. :flag-jp:
🙏 Respectful Atmosphere
This is a place of remembrance; please maintain a quiet and respectful presence. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy to Explore
The cemetery is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it simple to pay your respects. :athletic_shoe:
📚 Read the Visitor's Book
Discover unexpected and moving stories of those buried here. A truly insightful experience. :book:
🇯🇵 Unique Japanese Section
Don't miss the section for Japanese sailors, a surprising historical find in Malta. :flag-jp:
🙏 Respectful Atmosphere
This is a place of remembrance; please maintain a quiet and respectful presence. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Capucini Naval Cemetery for its immaculate upkeep and serene atmosphere, making it a moving place for remembrance. While the history is somber, the well-maintained grounds and unique sections, like the Japanese graves, offer a profound and educational experience for those interested in military history.
"As usual another well maintained CWGC cemetery. Nearly 1200 graves from WW1 and WW2
My main interest was paying my respects and seeing the WW1 Japanese graves which I was interested in as I was unaware of its existence in Malta
Well recommended if you are passing"
william willis
"Very serene place, with beautiful headstones. I studied many of the poems written in stone, they are all moving. There is a section for young ones, very sad. I love visiting cemeteries when I travel and this one is well-kept and easy to explore and pay honor to all who lost their lives in many different wars/battles. Worth a few hours of your time if you happen to be in the area."
Theresa St. John
"If you like history come visit this place.
Read the visitors book for unexpected interesting stories of people buried.
It is will maintained.
Good gardeners look after the plants.
This is my third visit and not my last."
Peter Sprot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Valletta to Kalkara, which is about a 30-minute journey. The cemetery is located in Kalkara, across the bay from Valletta.
Information on specific parking availability is limited, but Kalkara is a small town, so street parking might be an option. It's often easier to arrive by public transport.
Yes, it's a short walk from the cemetery to Fort Rinella and Smart City, making it easy to combine visits.
Buses are a common and convenient way to reach Kalkara from Valletta and other parts of Malta.
Yes, Kalkara is served by local bus routes, making it accessible for visitors using public transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Capucini Naval Cemetery is a war cemetery and is generally accessible without an entrance fee. It's a place of remembrance maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
War cemeteries are typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to visit during the day to fully appreciate the site and for safety.
No, the entire cemetery, including the section for Japanese naval soldiers, is free to visit.
Yes, the cemetery is open on weekends, offering flexibility for visitors.
While there are no strict rules, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and to ensure the cemetery is open.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find beautifully maintained headstones, including a significant section for over 1000 casualties from WWI and WWII, as well as a memorial to fallen Japanese naval soldiers.
Yes, multiple visitors praise the cemetery for being exceptionally well-maintained and serene, with dedicated gardeners.
The cemetery holds graves from both World Wars and a memorial for Japanese sailors, offering a rich historical context.
Many find the cemetery to be a beautiful and serene place, suitable for respectful photography.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as very serene, peaceful, and moving, making it a place for quiet reflection.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted, but visitors are reminded to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
The rows of headstones, the Japanese memorial, and the overall serene landscape offer picturesque opportunities for respectful photography.
Always be mindful of other visitors and the sanctity of the place. Avoid intrusive or disrespectful photography.
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the details of the headstones and the peaceful ambiance.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries and historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
🕊️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance
During WWI, Malta was a crucial base for British naval operations in the Mediterranean. Japanese destroyers were dispatched to assist the British fleet in combating German U-boats in the Mediterranean. It was during these operations that some Japanese sailors lost their lives and were subsequently buried in this cemetery. The presence of these graves highlights a lesser-known aspect of naval history and international cooperation during the war. The cemetery also includes a small civilian section, adding another layer to its historical narrative.
Visiting the Capucini Naval Cemetery offers a profound opportunity to connect with the past. Travelers often find themselves moved by the stories inscribed on the headstones and the sheer scale of loss represented. The cemetery's serene atmosphere, combined with its rich history, makes it a compelling destination for those interested in military history, remembrance, and the human cost of conflict.
Visiting and Remembrance
Beyond the visual appeal, the cemetery offers a deeply emotional experience. Reading the inscriptions on the headstones, which often include poems and details about the soldiers' lives, can be incredibly moving. The presence of a section for young casualties adds to the poignant nature of the site. The visitor's book is also noted as a valuable resource, containing unexpected and interesting stories that bring the history of the buried individuals to life.
For those interested in history, the Capucini Naval Cemetery is highly recommended. It provides a tangible connection to significant historical events and a space to honor the fallen. The cemetery's accessibility and peaceful setting make it a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting Malta who wishes to engage with its historical past in a meaningful way.
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