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You are now visiting ... Valletta |
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Valletta, Malta's capital, is named after its founder, Grand Master Fra Jean de la Valette.
Unlike most other cities around the world, Valletta did not evolve into urban status over the years. It was purpose-built to be Malta's new capital; a city 'built by gentlemen for gentlemen.' Its first stone was laid by the Grand Master on March 28th, 1566, the year after the Ottoman forces withdrew from their Siege of the Maltese Islands, as if to celebrate Malta's show of endurance.
The new city was constructed on the peninsula, known as Sceberras Heights, flanked by the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities on one side, and Marsamxett Harbour (with its more recent, touristic towns) on the other.
Valletta is a walled fortress, similar to the others built by the Order of Saint John, except that this city was designed to have wider, parallel streets, housing Palaces, Auberges (i.e. lodgings) for each of the Order's Eight Langues , many fine Churches and a splendid Baroque Cathedral, as well as Gardens for recreation.
Grand Master's Palace
Arcades, Old Treasury Street
English Pub & Maltese Karozzin
Balconies ...
and more balconies
... and different scenesNowadays, Valletta remains one of the more commercial localites in Malta. It is an attraction both to the locals and tourists alike, with its medley of shopping arcades, museums, cafes, historic sites and retail outlets of all kinds, including a daily flea market.
The Auberge de Baviere
Republic Street weekday
Lower Barracca Gardens
In its colourful past, the city hosted renowned guests such as Benjamin Disraeli, who had words of passion to utter in her praise, as well as Lord Byron and Sir Walter Scott. Other, temporary visitors, included Admiral Lord Nelson, the ailing Count of Beaujolais and General Bonapart himself.
A City praised and adored by so many visitorsAside from its historic glories, including various Royal visits, Valletta also witnessed blooded riots through the ages; from Dun Gataetan Mannarino's "Insurrection of the Priests" during Grand Master Ximenes' reign, to Dun Mikiel Xerri's failed plot against the blockaded French Garrison, leading to his own and his compatriots' execution in 1798. In more recent history, Valletta witnessed the June 1919 Bread Riots, known popularly as the 'Sette Giunio'.
World War Two wrought destruction to the city, leaving widespread ruin and heavy casualties both in Maltese and allied servicemen's lives.
Later, in 1958, a collapse of a (Labour) Maltese Government gave rise to more civil unrest in the city's streets. Such scenes were to be repeated throughout the 1970's and 1980's as political turmoil prevailed.
WW2 Anti-Aircraft Gun PostBombed Breakwater Bridge...
Blitzed Royal Opera HouseEast Street Iron Bridge
Grand Harbour & British HotelsPalazzo Ferreria (Gio.Batta Delia's Showplace)
But, like a phoenix emerging from the ashes ...of rebellion, of war and civil unrest, Valletta remains Malta's most popular attraction, drawing hoards of Maltese people and tourists alike, offering some kind of magic to all who visit her.
Its suburbs include Floriana up to the 'Portes des Bombes' and Pieta'.
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