A Guide to Visiting Valletta

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a city full of history and culture. Sitting on the Grand Harbour, it is one of the oldest walled cities in Europe and has been the capital of Malta since 1571. Valletta was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, and it is easy to see why. It is a beautiful city filled with stunning historical buildings, museums, churches and monuments.

Valletta is a small city, but it has plenty to offer its visitors. From its colorful history to its vibrant nightlife, Valletta is a great destination for tourists and locals alike. The city is home to numerous sites of architectural and historical importance, as well as many museums and galleries. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, from exploring the streets of Valletta to enjoying a night out in one of the city’s many bars and clubs.

In this guide, we will explore the best places to visit in Valletta. We will take a look at the city’s history and architecture, as well as its museums and galleries. We’ll also explore some of Valletta’s popular activities and experiences, as well as two popular tours that you can book in advance. So let’s explore the best of Valletta!

History and Architecture

Valletta has a long and fascinating history that stretches back centuries. The city was founded in 1566 by the Order of Saint John, who were fleeing from Ottoman Empire forces in Rhodes. The Knights of St. John built Valletta as a fortified city, with strong walls and bastions to protect against attack. The city was designed by the Italian military engineer Francesco Laparelli, and it soon became a thriving trading port. Today, Valletta is still home to some of the most impressive structures built by the Order of St. John.

The best place to get an overview of Valletta’s history and architecture is Upper Barrakka Gardens. From here, you can get stunning views of the Grand Harbour, Fort St. Elmo and Fort Manoel. The garden is also home to several monuments, including an equestrian statue of Grand Master Jean de Valette and a bronze statue of Sir Alexander Ball.

The St. John’s Co-Cathedral is another must-see in Valletta. This stunning Baroque-style church was built by the knights of St. John in 1577 and is filled with stunning works of art and decorations. Inside, you can find the tombs of several Grand Masters of the Order of St. John, as well as the famous painting “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’ by Caravaggio.

The Auberge de Castille is another impressive building in Valletta. This beautiful building was built by the Order of St. John in 1574 and served as the headquarters for the langue of Castille, León and Portugal. Today, it serves as the office of the Prime Minister of Malta.

The Grandmaster’s Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in Valletta. Built by Grand Master Antoine de Paule in 1572, it served as the residence of the Grand Master until 1798. Today, it serves as the office of the President of Malta and is open to visitors. Inside you can find several grand rooms, halls and courtyards filled with stunning works of art and decorations.

Museums and Galleries

Valletta is home to several museums and galleries that are well worth visiting. The National Museum of Archaeology is one of the best places to start. Here you can find an extensive collection of artifacts from Malta’s ancient past, including pottery, jewelry and coins from various periods in Maltese history. The museum also houses a model of the prehistoric temples at Ggantija and Mnajdra, which are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

The National War Museum is another must-see in Valletta. Located in Fort St Elmo, it covers Malta’s long history of conflict from prehistory to the present day. Here you can find exhibits on the Great Siege of 1565, the Siege of Malta in World War II and more recent conflicts such as the intervention in Libya in 2011.

The National Museum of Fine Arts is also worth a visit. Here you can find works from some of Malta’s greatest artists, including works by Edward Caruana Dingli, Giuseppe Cali and Emvin Cremona. The museum also houses an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance paintings and sculptures.

The Manoel Theatre is another popular destination for art lovers in Valletta. Built in 1731 by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena, it is home to some of Malta’s most important performances, including opera productions by world-renowned composers such as Mozart and Rossini.

Activities and Experiences

Valletta has plenty to offer its visitors in terms of activities and experiences. One popular activity is taking a tour around Valletta’s historic walls and bastions. Here you can get an up-close look at the impressive fortifications that were constructed by the Knights of St John to protect against attack from foreign invaders. You can also learn about Malta’s military history from one of the knowledgeable guides who accompany each tour.

Exploring Valletta’s many churches is another popular activity for visitors. As one of the most religious cities in Europe, Valletta is home to dozens of beautiful churches filled with stunning works of art and decorations. From grand Baroque churches like St John’s Co-Cathedral to smaller chapels like St Paul’s Shipwreck Church, there is something for everyone in Valletta’s religious landscape.

If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, there are plenty of water sports activities on offer in Valletta too. From jet skiing to kayaking, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of Malta’s stunning coastline and coastline views.

Book an Example Tour: Grand Harbour Cruise

One popular activity for visitors to Valletta is booking a Grand Harbour cruise. This cruise takes you around some of Valletta’s most impressive sights, including Fort St Elmo, Fort Manoel and Upper Barrakka Gardens. You will also be able to see other popular sights such as La Valette Palace and the Marsamxett Harbour from a unique perspective on board your boat. The tour also includes an informative commentary about Valletta’s history and architecture from your experienced guide, making this an ideal experience for those who want to learn more about this fascinating city. This tour typically lasts about two hours and can be booked online in advance.

Book Another Example Tour: City Sightseeing Bus Tour

Another popular tour for visitors to Valletta is a City Sightseeing Bus tour. This hop-on hop-off tour takes you around some of Valletta’s most iconic sights, including Upper Barrakka Gardens, St John’s Co-Cathedral and City Gate Square. You will also have the chance to explore some lesser-known sights such as Fort Ricasoli, Casa Rocca Piccola and Manoel Island as well as learn about their history from your experienced guide on board your bus. This tour typically lasts about two hours and can be booked online in advance.

Conclusion

Valletta is an incredible city full of history and culture that has something for everyone to enjoy. From exploring its fascinating architecture to enjoying its vibrant nightlife, there is plenty to see and do here for tourists looking for an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to explore its historic sights or relax on its stunning beaches, you are sure to find something that suits your interests here in Valletta!