Valletta Information

Valletta Information

Located on the eastern side of the island Valletta is Malta's capital city and although it is small in size it is big in substance. Much of the city's architecture dates from the sixteenth century and is so well preserved it prompted UNESCO to grant it World Heritage status in 1980 making it one of the earliest recipients of this honour. The city was built on a peninsular which overlooks the Grand Harbour to the south and Marsamxett Harbour to the north, and when viewed from the sea its fortifications would have been an imposing sight to ancient mariners.

Valletta was founded in 1566 as a fortification against Ottoman forces and was named after the Grandmaster of the Order of Malta Jean Parisot de la Valette and protected by the Knights Hospitaller. In 1798 French forces under Napoleon Bonaparte conquered the city, and thus the island of Malta, and it then remained under French dominion until it was surrendered to attacking British forces in 1800. Like most of the island, Valetta suffered much damage from German and Russian bombing raids during World War Two and several major historic building were damaged beyond repair.

Some of Valletta's remarkable historical buildings include the St John's Co-Cathedral which has some exquisite decorations inside and an incredible fresco covering the ceiling; the Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th century castle  housing many treasures collected over the centuries; the Lascaris War Rooms which tells the history of Malta during World War Two;  and the Grand Masters' Palace which houses some wonderful examples of medieval suits of armour as well as ornate period furniture and artworks.

Getting around Valletta is best done on foot as it is a compact city less than a kilometre square and the streets were all built straight so it is very easy to navigate around. Some parts of the city can be quite steep and can therefore be tiring for those who aren't terribly fit. A fun alternative to walking is to hire a Karozzin - a traditional Maltese horse and cart, and there are also two bus routes that circle the city from opposite directions.

Valletta's history is ingrained in every brick and cobblestone and taking the time to explore the city on foot will leave you with a wonderful appreciation for the Maltese culture and its rich past.