City of Valletta
Valletta, Malta
31.12.2023
Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the capital city of Malta, also named Valletta. This stunning city is known for its fortifications, grand architecture, and rich history. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, Valletta is a testament to their military prowess and religious devotion. The city was named after the Grand Master of the Order, Jean de la Valette, who led the successful defense of Malta against the Ottoman Empire in 1565.
Valletta is filled with impressive landmarks that showcase the city's cultural heritage. The Grandmaster's Palace is a prime example of Baroque architecture and served as the official residence of the Grand Master. Today, it houses the Office of the President of Malta. The St. John's Co-Cathedral is another must-see attraction, known for its ornate interior and masterpieces by Caravaggio. The Upper Barrakka Gardens offer stunning views of the Grand Harbour, a strategic location that played a crucial role in Malta's history.
Valletta also has a strong connection to the sea, with harbors and marinas that have been in use since ancient times. The Fort St. Elmo, a star-shaped fortification, is a testament to the city's military importance. It was here that the Knights of St. John defeated the Ottoman army in the Great Siege of 1565. The Fortifications of Valletta, including the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, have been recognized as a masterpiece of military architecture and are a must-see for visitors.
Today, Valletta is a bustling city with a thriving cultural scene. It is home to numerous museums, including the National Museum of Archaeology and the National Museum of Fine Arts. The city also hosts various cultural events, such as the Valletta International Arts Festival and the Malta International Music Festival.
Valletta's unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for travelers. Its UNESCO World Heritage status further solidifies its significance and ensures its preservation for future generations to admire.
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The capital of Malta is inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order of St John of Jerusalem. It was ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John. Valletta’s 320 monuments, all within an area of 55 ha, make it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
Valletta (, Maltese: il-Belt Valletta, Maltese pronunciation: [vɐlˈlɛt.tɐ]) is the capital city of Malta and one of its 68 council areas. Located between the Grand Harbour to the east and Marsamxett Harbour to the west, its population as of 2021 was 5,157. As Malta’s capital city, it is a commercial centre for shopping, bars, dining, and café life. It is also the southernmost capital of Europe, and at just 0.61 square kilometres (0.24 sq mi), it is the European Union's smallest capital city.
Valletta's 16th-century buildings were constructed by the Knights Hospitaller. The city was named after the Frenchman Jean Parisot de Valette, who succeeded in defending the island against an Ottoman invasion during the Great Siege of Malta. The city is Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture, though the Second World War left major scars on the city, particularly the destruction of the Royal Opera House. The city was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. The city has 320 monuments, all within an area of 0.55 square kilometres (0.21 sq mi), making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Sometimes called an "open-air museum", Valletta was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Valletta was also listed as the sunniest city in Europe in 2016.
The city is noted for its fortifications, consisting of bastions, curtains and cavaliers, along with the beauty of its Baroque palaces, gardens and churches.
