Exploring the Heart of Valletta
Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is perched on the short peninsula of Mount Sciberras, rising between two majestic harbours, the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett. With alleys grounded in folklore and buildings constructed for honour, this UNESCO World Heritage site reflects Malta’s rich and tempestuous history.
Valletta’s beginnings may be traced back to the Great Siege of 1565, when the Knights of St John defeated a large Ottoman assault. This triumph was viewed as a turning point for Christian Europe, prompting the construction of a new fortified city built to endure both cannon and time. Valletta, named for Jean Parisot de la Valette, the Grand Master of the Knights, was designed with a military mindset and a Renaissance soul.
Valletta was distinct from other cities from the start. In fact, it was designed by the finest architects and engineers in 16th-century Europe. This resulted with a precise grid of straight streets, surrounded by bastioned walls and defensive ramparts that still define the city’s profile today.
Valletta is compact enough to walk across in about 60 minutes, yet it is densely packed with cultural riches. This dense city contains approximately 300 ancient sites, ranging from auberges that previously housed the Knights, to great cathedrals, forts, theatres, and fountains.
The city’s crown jewel is St John’s Co-Cathedral, an architectural marvel that seems modest on the outside while being extravagantly Baroque on the inside. Visitors are often struck by the marble tombstones, golden vaults, and the famous Caravaggio artwork, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. The Co-Cathedral was built by the Knights between 1573 and 1578.
Valletta has had its fair share of adversity. During World War II, the city was a strategic British military station and hence a major target. Nazi bombs rained damage on the capital, destroying or levelling major areas of it, including the once-famous Royal Opera House.
St John's Co-Cathedral
The Opera House was eventually converted as a spectacular open-air theatre known as Pjazza Teatru Rjal. Others were meticulously rebuilt, retaining Valletta’s original Renaissance urban shape. The city saw some decline in its population after World War II as families moved away, and its standing dwindled, albeit recent years have seen a dramatic rebirth. Renovated palazzos have been transformed into boutique hotels, secret courtyards are filled with live music, and once-forgotten side alleyways now house fine-dining restaurants and bustling wine bars.
Valletta was proclaimed European Capital of Culture in 2018, honouring its combination of old and contemporary. The city accepted the title with enthusiasm, demonstrating that it is more than simply a museum piece, but a live, breathing hub of Maltese identity.
Pjazza Teatru Rjal
Wandering about Valletta is the finest way to fall in love with it. The steep, narrow alleys drop like ladders, with each turn exposing another statue or balcony. You’ll come across calm chapels like Our Lady of Victory, the first structure built after the siege, and unexpected green oases like the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Art enthusiasts can head to MUŻA, the national community art museum situated in the former Auberge d’Italie, while theatre devotees can enjoy a show in the exquisite Manoel theatre, one of Europe’s oldest working playhouses.
In this city, history shouts from buildings, squares, and the very air. But it’s also a city that’s never done, constantly growing and surprising both locals and tourists alike. So, go ahead and explore. We promise that you will never get bored of Valletta’s authentic charm and beauty.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens
The Barrakka Gardens, a peaceful respite from the city’s bustle, provide the greatest panoramic views in Valletta. The Upper Barrakka offers stunning views of the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities, and Fort St. Angelo, making it an ideal location for dawn or sunset. Lower Barrakka is smaller and more personal, with a neoclassical temple and green seats perfect for peaceful thought. Both gardens are free to access and provide tranquil moments with postcard-perfect views. Don’t miss the Saluting Battery’s noon-day cannon salute, which takes place immediately below the Upper Gardens and honours Valletta’s military history.
Lower Barrakka
St John’s Co-Cathedral
Don’t be deceived by its unassuming appearance; St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a Baroque explosion of gold, marble, and art. The cathedral, built by the Knights of St. John in the late 16th century, features one of Caravaggio’s most dramatic works as well as an exquisite inlaid marble floor made out of over 400 tombstones. Each chapel symbolises one of the Knights’ country divisions, highlighting Malta’s varied heritage. Whether you are religious or not, the interior’s beauty and craftsmanship are astounding. Audio guides and excursions are provided, making it a must-see for anybody interested in art, architecture, or history.
St John's Co-Cathedral
Fort St Elmo
Fort St Elmo & the National War Museum
Fort St Elmo, a star-shaped stronghold at the extremity of the Valletta peninsula, was previously the target of an Ottoman attack in 1565. The fort is now wonderfully rebuilt and houses the National War Museum, which chronicles Malta’s warfare history from the Roman era until World War II. Highlights include the George Cross, which was given to the entire nation, as well as frightening Blitz memorabilia. The fort itself is magnificent; explore its walls, peer into the ancient jail cells, and enjoy the harbour air.
