Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, are the historic fortified towns of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, commonly referred to as the Three Cities. The name Cottonera goes back to the Grandmaster Nicholas Cottoner, who initiated new fortification lines in 1670. The Cottonera Lines protected the three cities, and therefore the whole area came be to known as Cottonera. Among the places to visit are the Auberges of the Knights, the Holy Hospital of the Order, the Late Medieval/Norman House situated in North Street, the Bishop’s Palace, the Inquisitor’s Palace and the University Palace.