Exploring the Rich History and Heritage of Valletta – The Capital of Malta

The beautiful capital of Malta with its lovely city Valletta is a museum of history, architecture and culture. It is a fortified city that is a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on a peninsula that is above the Mediterranean Sea. Valletta is no ordinary city, it is a time capsule, which may make you go back in centuries of rich history, beautiful Baroque art, and stories of knights, sieges, and great masters.

In case you have a European vacation in mind, then this Valletta travel guide will assist you to find out the best historical sites, the less known sites, and the culture that makes the capital of Malta a remarkable place to be.

A Brief History of Valletta

The story of Valletta dates back to 1566, as the Knights of St. John, who was among the strongest orders in the world of the middle ages, resolved to construct an fortified city following the Great Siege of Malta. The Knights under Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valett turned a deserted peninsula into an exquisite city that was created with the purpose of power and beauty.

In several decades Valletta was among the most modern cities of the epoch with its fantastic bastions, magnificent palaces and broad streets all constructed of golden limestone which shines in the Mediterranean sun. Valletta is nowadays a monument of endurance, devotion, and art.

Architectural Beauty: Baroque Beauty (Everywhere).

The breathtaking architecture of the city can not be discussed without mentioning it in the context of a Valletta travel guide. The Valletta is an aesthetical treat to someone who loves architecture as its streets are full of grand churches, historical forts and wooden balconies.

The jewel of the city is St. Johns Co-Cathedral, which has a simple exterior made of limestones but boasts of a spectacular interior in the Baroque style with its marble floors, gilded walls, and the masterpiece of Caravaggio The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

Other places that should be seen include:

The Palace of the Grand Master: The former seat of the Knights, now the Office of the President of Malta, and also a museum full of works of art.

Upper Barrakka Gardens: It has the most beautiful panoramic view of the Grand Harbour, it is where one can get best photographs and sunset beauty.

Fort St. Elmo: This was a historic fort that had been instrumental in the fortification of Malta during the Great siege of Malta in 1565.

Valletta is full of stories in every street corner, its decorative door knockers, old church interiors, and perfectly preserved streets.

Museums and Cultural Heritage.

Valletta is a heavenly place to history lover. Malta has a number of interesting museums in the city that conserve and advertize the stratified history.

National Museum of Archaeology in the Auberge de Provence displays the prehistoric artifacts which date back to 5000 BC which links Valletta to the ancient history of Malta. At the same time, The Lascaris War Rooms display the underground tunnels that were used during World War II which the Allies used to organize their activities in the Mediterranean.

To people who enjoy arts, MUZA - The National Community Art Museum would provide an admirable source of Maltese and European art pieces. It is a cultural centre that glorifies the local creativity as well as the European art history of Malta.

This Valletta travel guide suggests that at least one complete day should be devoted to visiting these museums to grasp the unique character of the city in its true essence, in which medieval chivalry is combined with the Mediterranean beauty.

Valletta: Living the Local Life.

Valletta in addition to its monuments is a vibrant city. Its small streets are full of local cafes, boutique stores and enthusiastic open markets.

Begin your day with a cup of Hobz biz-zejt (traditional Maltese bread served with olive oil, tomatoes and tuna) at a local bakery. Take a walk through Republic Street and Merchant Street then and you will find artisanal crafts as well as fine jewelry.

Have a seafood or Maltese rabbit stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek) at at least one of the numerous waterfront restaurants in Valletta, during lunch or dinner. In the evening, you can listen to live music in a small wine bar, or watch a show in the ancient Manoel Theatre, which is one of the oldest theatres that is still in operation in Europe.

Festivals and Events

And Valletta is not only a historical place to visit, but it is a round the year culture-driven city.

Among the attractions is the Carnival of Valletta, which takes place in every February and the streets are filled with color, dancing and laughing. In October, Notte Bianca changes Valletta into a great outdoor art, light festival and music festival.

When you are there in the summertime, you must not miss the Malta International Arts Festival where open-air concerts, theater and dance performances are held in the dramatic backdrops of the city.

As a tourist, this Valletta travel guide recommends you see what is happening in the local event calendar before you travel there as such festivals provide you with an opportunity to get into touch with the local culture.

Travel Essentials and Getting There.

You should be aware of the entry requirements before filling your bags to Malta. Most of the countries will require their travelers to seek a Malta Visa as Malta belongs to the Schengen Zone. It is also a simple procedure that enables one to access not only to Malta but also other Schengen nations.

Unless you are in the EU or within the Schengen area then you need to confirm the current Malta travel visa regulations with your nearest Maltese embassy or an authorised travel agent. Remember to apply early enough and pack the documents required such as accommodation details, flight details and travel insurance.

Valletta once in Malta is reachable easily due to the international airport which is only 20 minutes away by road. Ferries also may be used to arrive in the harbor through ferry at Sliema or the Three Cities.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Walk, don't rush. Valletta is a small city and is better explored by foot. Each of the streets brings up another perspective or historical surprise.

Stay central. The decision to stay in or around the city walls assists in the convenient access to attractions.

Visit early or late. Visit great sights such as St. Johns Co cathedral or Upper Barrakka Gardens in the morning or close to sunset so as to avoid the crowd.

Combine day trips. Valletta is a very easy place to take a ferry to Gozo, Comino or take a short trip to other cities such as Mdina and Sliema.

Conclusion

Valletta is not just the capital of Malta it is the city where all stones are talking about the past, where all churches are shining with paintings and where all streets lead to the beautiful view. Valletta is the place that every visitor will love since the heritage of the Knights of St. John to the colorful contemporary culture of the place.

Being a lover of history, explorer of culture, or just a person who wants to enjoy the atmosphere of the Mediterranean, this Valletta travel guide welcomes you to one of the most fascinating European capitals.

That being said pack your bags, grab your Malta Visa, and prepare to enter a city that is as old as the sea it is built along. Valletta is open and waiting with hundreds of years of tales to tell.