Nestled beneath the Saint Peter & Paul Counterguard in Valletta and Ganado Gardens in Floriana and spread across two levels, lies an enormous tunneling complex known as St. Peter's Galleries, which traces its origins back to the early part of the Second World War. The construction of this complex began in earnest in late 1941, concurrently with the development of the underground space now occupied by the Lascaris War Rooms. The purpose behind these efforts was to establish a new combined War Headquarters, as the existing one had become too small for the war needs which were on the increase. It was to house the different operation rooms, communications and signals and offices of all the three fighting services. 

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By April 1942, the increase of enemy air raids necessitated extensive underground protection for Malta's population. This led to the suspension of various construction projects, including the St. Peter's Galleries, as workers were diverted to excavate civilian air raid shelters. By late 1942, almost a year into the war, these efforts provided underground protection for all inhabitants. However, as Allied victories shifted the tide of war, Malta was chosen as the Allies' Advanced Headquarters for the invasion of Sicily in January 1943. In late 1943, all work on the galleries ceased, and they were sealed with all equipment left inside, hopeful for future resumption. Unfortunately, with the war's end, this opportunity never arose. The galleries remained forgotten for over fifty years until Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna - the Malta Heritage Trust - rediscovered them during restoration work on nearby War HQ Tunnels and Lascaris War Rooms in 2009. Since then, they have been opened to the public, offering a glimpse into Malta's wartime history.