10 Quirky Facts about Valletta, How Many Do You Know?
Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a truly unique city that mixes historical grandeur with modern day life. Perched on a rocky peninsula, it overlooks the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Grand Harbour.
As Malta’s cultural and administrative heart, Valletta boasts plenty of of architectural marvels, from stunning churches and palaces to grand fortifications and bustling markets. The city’s streets are lined with lively cafes, boutique shops, and charming restaurants, offering a taste of Malta’s unique cuisine and hospitality. How much do you know much about Valletta?
Here are ten quirky facts!
- It’s a World Heritage City: Valletta is one of the smallest capitals in Europe. In 1980, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its concentration of historical buildings and well-preserved 16th-century architecture.
- It was Built by the Knights of St John: The city was founded in 1566 by the Order of St John, a group of knights known for their military prowess and charitable work. They built Valletta as a fortified city after the Great Siege of 1565, which saw them successfully defend Malta from the Ottoman Empire.
- It’s Named After a Grand Master: Valletta is named after Jean Parisot de Valette, the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, who played a significant role in defending Malta during the Great Siege and subsequently laid the city’s first stone.
- The Grid Layout: Unusually for a city of its age, Valletta was designed with a grid street plan. This innovative design was intended to facilitate defence and efficient movement within the city.
- Tiny But Dense: Valletta covers an area of just 0.8 square kilometres (0.3 square miles), making it one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Despite its small size, it is packed with over 320 historic monuments, making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world!
St John's Co-Cathedral
6. No Cars Allowed: In recent years, Valletta has limited car access to protect its historic streets. Many areas within the city are pedestrianised, making it more pleasant for walking tours and reducing pollution.
7. Underground Valletta: Beneath Valletta lies a complex network of tunnels and shelters. These were used extensively during World War II to protect residents from aerial bombardments. Some of these tunnels date back to the time of the Knights.
8. Signature Maltese Balconies: Valletta is famous for its distinctive wooden balconies, known as ‘gallarija’, which are brightly painted and extend over the streets. These balconies were introduced in the 17th century and have become a symbol of Maltese architecture.
9. It’s a Living Baroque Masterpiece: St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta is considered one of Europe’s finest examples of Baroque architecture. Its plain exterior belies the stunningly ornate interior, which includes a famous painting by Caravaggio, ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’.
10. A Popular Film Location: Valletta has been a popular location for filmmakers due to its historic and picturesque setting. Movies such as ‘Gladiator’, ‘Napoleon’, ‘World War Z’, and ‘Assassin’s Creed’ have used Valletta’s streets and buildings to stand in for various historical and fictional locations.
