Valletta
Advantageous capital city Valletta offers many ways for relaxation. It is situated in the central-eastern portion of the main island of Malta. Valletta has appr. 6,400 residents being one of the smallest EU capitals. It has astonishing architectural remains from the Hospitalier times.
The Order of Saint John AKA The Hospitaliers gained Malta in 1530 from King Charles I of Spain. Back then, the only building on the site was a small watchtower dedicated to Erasmus of Formia (Saint Elmo), being built in 1488. In the Great Siege of 1565, Fort Saint Elmo of the Order fell to the Ottomans, but it eventually won the siege. The city of Valletta was mostly complete by the early 1570s, and it became the capital in 1571 when Grand Master moved from his seat at Fort St Angelo in Birgu to the Grandmaster’s Palace. In 1798, the Order left the islands and the French occupation of Malta began. After the Maltese rebelled, French troops continued to occupy Valletta and the surrounding harbour area, until they capitulated to the British in September 1800. Throughout the Second World War Valletta was an important harbour of the Allied forces, and Italian and German airforces heavily bombarded the city and it saw much destruction.
Shopping
The main street of the city, Republic treet, has many decent stores and boutiques.
Triq il-Merkanti street has daily market selling cheap clothing.
Recreation
Trabuxu (Strada Stretta) – This charming wine bar in an ancient cellar serves fine meals and romantic atmosphere.
Something to explore
Grand Master’s Palace
The Grand Master’s Palace has been the power centre of Malta for centuries. The original palace, built in 1571, was the seat of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaliers of St John. During the British colonial period it served as the governor’s palace. Today it is home to the House of Representatives of Malta, the office of the President and a popular visiting sight. Notable must-sees are the Council Chamber as home to a rare collection of exotic gobelins depicting hunting scenes from different continents, The Palace Armoury and the Supreme Council Hall, with frescoes depicting the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
This public garden is situated on the side its twin, Lower Gardens, on the hill nearby the city walls and offers a panorama over the Grand Harbour of Valletta and the old towns of Senglea and Birgu from its bordering terrace area. There are several statues, including one from Sir Winston Churchill and a sculpture called Les Gavroches (The street boys) by the Maltese sculptor Antonio Sciortino. Idyllic sight for a trespasser looking for harmony of nature.
The National Museum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts is located at the lower end of South Street within an area including other gorgeous palaces dating from the Hospitaliers times. The museum depicts the wide collection of Baroque art as well as the largest puclic collection of works by the Italian artist Mattia Preti.
St. James Cavalier
This 16th-century cavalier as built by the Order of St. John. It overlooks St. James’ Bastion, being of the part of the Land Front. Today the cavalier houses a cultural centre, activities ranging from contemporary plays performed at its intimate centre-stage theatre to contemporary art exhibitions and art-house screenings at the integrated cinema. Culture centre also has The Inspirations Cafe with a terrace.
St John’s Co-Cathedral
This beautiful Baroque cathedral was built by the Hospitaliers between 1573 and 1578, having been commissioned in 1572 by the Grand Master as the conventual church of the Order. It is an important part of the city’s Hospitalier architecture and one of the most delightful churches in the Mediterranean area.
The whole marble floor is an entire series of tombs, housing about 375 Knights and officers of the order. There is also a crypt containing the graves of many Grandmasters.
There is also a shop in cathedral, selling literature, DVDs, postcards, souvenirs, posters, CDs of sacred music and maps.
Something nearby
This beautiful town has approx. 21,000 residents and population exceeds to 60,000 in tourist season.
Nearby of the town are some very fine nature resorts. There is Mistra Bay north, its headland and St Paul’s Island. Going west and crossing the island towards Ġnejna Bay and Golden Bay is the beautiful Wardija Ridge.
This Victorian battery and open-air museum is situated above the shore east of the mouth of Grand Harbour, between Fort Ricasoli and Fort St. Rocco.Its notable sight is one of two surviving Armstrong 100-ton guns. Throughout the year, between Monday and Saturday (10.00 – 17.00 hrs) historical re-enactors dressed as 19th Century British soldiers provide regular guided tours along with a full-scale military re-enactment combining the live-firing of historic artillery and cavalry. The fort also has its audio-visual, audio guides in 14 languages and is fully interpreted. Bus connection from Valletta.
How to get around in Valletta
Bus routes 98 (clockwise) and 198 (counterclockwise) run around Valletta. They depart from Valletta Terminus near the Castille Place. Information about Maltese public transportation and timetables are visible here.
How to get in Valletta
International Valletta Airport serves the whole island country, being situated ocated 5 km southwest of the capital. List of its airlines is here, destinations here.
Virtu Ferries runs ferries to Pozzallo and Catania in Sicily.
Top 5 in Valletta
- Shopping at Republic Street
- Grand Master’s Palace
- Upper Barrakka Gardens
- Daytrip to Fort Rinella
- James Cavalier
Text: Timo Hellman
Photos: With the CC licence / Dirk.heldmaier, Mstyslav Chernov, Afr66, les, Szilas, malta-172