Valletta Must See: An In-Depth Guide for First-Time Tourists

Valletta is a vibrant and unique city located in the Mediterranean Sea, just off the coast of Malta. It is one of the world’s oldest capital cities, founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, and it has an incredible amount of history and culture to explore. Valletta is a living museum, with beautiful architecture, cobbled streets, old churches, and impressive fortifications. It is also a modern, vibrant city, with plenty of cafes and restaurants, art galleries, shops and markets to explore. Whether you’re looking for history and culture, or modern amenities and attractions, Valletta has something for everyone.

A Brief History of Valletta

Valletta was founded in 1566, by the Knights of St John, a group of crusading knights from Europe who had been invited to Malta by its ruler at the time, Grand Master Jean de Valette. The Knights were tasked with defending the island from the Ottomans, who were planning to invade it. In order to achieve this task, they decided to build a fortified city on a hill overlooking the sea. The city was built by Italian architect Francesco Laparelli, and it was named Valletta in honour of its founder, Grand Master Valette.

The city was built to be a fortress city, with walls and bastions that were designed to protect it from attack. Over the years, the city was modified and expanded, but its original layout remains largely unchanged today. The city walls have been restored and are now open to the public as a major tourist attraction. Valletta has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.

In recent years, Valletta has seen an increase in tourism due to its cultural attractions and proximity to other European cities. It is now a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.

Valletta Must See Attractions

Valletta is an exciting and vibrant city with plenty of attractions for tourists to explore. Here are some of the must-see sights and experiences in Valletta that you should make sure to check out during your visit:

St John’s Co-Cathedral

St John’s Co-Cathedral is one of Valletta’s most impressive sights. Built in 1577 by the Knights of St John, it is an example of the Renaissance architecture that was popular at the time. The interior of the cathedral is richly decorated with Baroque art and paintings. It also houses a museum where visitors can explore the history of the Knights of St John as well as marvel at some of their treasures.

Upper Barrakka Gardens

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are one of the most spectacular views in Valletta. Located on the upper level of Valletta’s fortifications, it offers stunning views of the Grand Harbour, Fort St Angelo and the Three Cities across the water. The gardens are also home to some beautiful statues, including a statue of Grand Master Jean de Valette.

Malta Experience

The Malta Experience is an interactive audiovisual show that tells the story of Malta’s 7,000 years of history. It is one of Malta’s most popular tourist attractions and it is a great way to get an overview of the island’s fascinating past. The show is located inside an old fort in Valletta and it is filled with interesting facts and stories about Malta’s history.

National War Museum

The National War Museum is an important historical attraction in Valletta. Located in Fort St Elmo, it houses an extensive collection of artefacts from Malta’s past, including guns, uniforms and other military items. The museum also has a library where visitors can learn more about Malta’s history and its role in World War II.

Mdina

Mdina is an ancient walled city located on a hilltop in the centre of Malta. It was once home to the powerful Order of St John and it is now a popular tourist attraction due to its well-preserved medieval architecture and narrow cobbled streets. Visitors can explore Mdina’s many churches and palaces or take a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets.

Popeye Village

Popeye Village is a popular tourist attraction located in Mellieha Bay, just outside Valletta. It was once used as a film set for the 1980 movie “Popeye’ and it is now a fun-filled attraction for visitors of all ages. It features rides, shows and activities based on the characters from the movie as well as a beautiful beach where visitors can relax in the sun.

Popular Tours

If you’re looking for an exciting way to explore Valletta, then there are plenty of tours that you can take to get an in-depth look at the city’s history and culture.

Historic Tour of Valletta

This tour takes you on a journey through some of Valletta’s most historic sites. You’ll get to explore the city’s old fortifications as well as visit some of its most famous buildings such as St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The tour also includes visits to some of Malta’s other iconic sights such as Mdina and Popeye Village. You can book a Historic Tour of Valletta here.

Maltese Islands Cruise

If you want to experience Valletta from a different perspective, then this cruise is for you. This tour takes you on a scenic boat ride around Malta and its neighbouring islands such as Gozo and Comino. You’ll get to explore some of Malta’s hidden coves and beaches as well as enjoy views of Valletta’s impressive fortifications from the sea. You can book a Maltese Islands Cruise here.

Conclusion

Valletta is an incredible city with plenty of historic sights and attractions for tourists to explore. From its old fortifications and cobbled streets to its modern attractions such as Popeye Village and Mdina, Valletta has something for everyone. There are also plenty of tours available that will help you get an in-depth look at the city’s history and culture. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Valletta has something for everyone.