Valletta
· MT

Valletta

Valletta, Valletta, Malta

Step Back in Time in Valletta: Malta's Fortified Gem Perched on a peninsula overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Valletta, Malta's capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that seamlessly blends history wit…

#historic#fortress city#Mediterranean#capital city#Baroque architecture
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Valletta.

Top Hotels in Valletta

Top Flights to Valletta

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Valletta.

Tours

Exploring the Grand Harbour

Take in stunning views of Valletta's iconic Grand Harbour and its fortifications. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Malta Maritime Museum Visit

Explore Malta's rich maritime history in this engaging museum.

Shopping

Shopping at Valletta Waterfront

Indulge in shopping along the picturesque Valletta Waterfront, offering a mix of local and international brands.

Outdoor

Valletta City Walking Tour

Guided walking tour around Valletta, discovering its history, architecture, and culture.

Outdoor Adventure in Valletta

Enjoy an exhilarating outdoor activity in the scenic landscapes surrounding Valletta.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Valletta.

Currency
€ | EUR | Euro
Population
480134.0
Languages
Maltese, English, Maltese
Average weather
Valletta
Jan
rain
15°9°
Feb
cloud
15°9°
Mar
cloud
17°10°
Apr
clear
19°12°
May
sun
23°15°
Jun
hot
28°19°
Jul
hot
31°22°
Aug
hot
31°23°
Sep
sun
28°21°
Oct
clear
25°18°
Nov
rain
21°14°
Dec
rain
17°11°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Valletta.

What people love

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, offers a unique and charming travel experience with several pros for visitors:

  1. Rich History: Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved historical architecture, including impressive fortifications, churches, and palaces. History enthusiasts will appreciate the city's significant past, which dates back to the 16th century.

  2. Cultural Attractions: Valletta is home to various museums, art galleries, and cultural sites that showcase Malta's heritage and artistic achievements. Visitors can explore the Grandmaster's Palace, St. John's Co-Cathedral, and the National Museum of Archaeology, among others.

  3. Stunning Views: The city's strategic location on a peninsula offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscapes. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll along the fortified walls and enjoy the scenic vistas.

  4. Vibrant Atmosphere: Valletta boasts a lively atmosphere with bustling markets, quaint cafes, and local shops that offer a taste of Maltese daily life. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's charm by wandering through its narrow streets and interacting with friendly locals.

  5. Culinary Delights: Malta's cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors, and Valletta is a great place to savor traditional Maltese dishes in local restaurants and eateries. From fresh seafood to savory pastries, foodies will find plenty to indulge in.

  6. Accessibility: Valletta is a compact city that can easily be explored on foot, making it convenient for travelers to visit its main attractions within a relatively small area. Additionally, the city's public transportation system provides easy access to other parts of Malta.

Overall, traveling to Valletta offers a unique blend of history, culture, stunning views, and culinary delights, making it a rewarding destination for tourists seeking an enriching experience in the heart of Malta.

What to know

Traveling to Valletta, Malta, certainly has its advantages, but there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some cons of traveling to Valletta:

  1. Limited Beaches: Valletta is a historic and cultural city, but it lacks expansive sandy beaches. If you are looking for a beach holiday with long stretches of sand, Valletta may not be the ideal destination.

  2. Crowds: During peak tourist seasons, Valletta can get quite crowded, especially in popular tourist areas such as the Upper Barrakka Gardens and St. John's Co-Cathedral. This can detract from the overall experience and make it challenging to fully enjoy the attractions.

  3. Hot Summers: Malta, including Valletta, experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching over 30°C (86°F). If you are not accustomed to high temperatures, this can make exploring the city uncomfortable, especially if you are sensitive to heat.

  4. Expensive: Compared to other destinations in Europe, Malta, including Valletta, can be relatively expensive. Accommodation, dining, and transportation costs may be higher than in neighboring countries, which can impact your travel budget.

  5. Limited Public Transportation: While Valletta has a public bus system, it may not be as extensive or efficient as in other European cities. This could make getting around the city and exploring other parts of Malta more challenging, particularly if you are not planning to rent a car.

  6. Language Barrier: While English is widely spoken in Malta, Maltese is the official language. In more remote areas or when interacting with locals, you may encounter language barriers that could hinder communication and your overall travel experience.

It's essential to weigh these cons against the many positives of traveling to Valletta, such as its rich history, UNESCO World Heritage sites, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. Ultimately, your travel preferences and priorities will determine whether these cons are significant enough to impact your decision to visit Valletta.

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is a city rich in history, architecture, and cultural significance. Here is a detailed history and overview of Valletta:

Foundation and Early History

  • Foundation: Valletta was founded in 1566 by the Order of St. John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller, following the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. The city was named after Jean Parisot de Valette, the Grand Master of the Order, who played a crucial role in defending Malta from the Ottoman Empire.

  • Design and Construction: The city was meticulously planned by the Italian military engineer Francesco Laparelli, and construction began under the supervision of Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar. Valletta was designed as a fortified city, with robust bastions, ramparts, and deep moats.

Significant Events

  • The Great Siege of Malta (1565): This was a pivotal moment in Maltese history when the Knights, with the help of the local population, successfully defended the island from the Ottoman Empire. This victory was a turning point that led to the construction of Valletta as a fortified city.

  • The Baroque Period: During the 17th and 18th centuries, Valletta flourished under the rule of the Knights. Many Baroque buildings and churches were constructed, including St. John's Co-Cathedral, which is renowned for its opulent interior and works by Caravaggio.

  • Napoleonic and British Rule: In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte captured Malta, ending the rule of the Knights. However, by 1800, the British took control of Malta, and Valletta served as a strategic naval base for the British Empire until Malta's independence in 1964.

  • World War II: Valletta suffered significant damage during World War II due to heavy bombing raids by Axis forces. The city was awarded the George Cross in 1942 by King George VI for the bravery of its people during the war.

Historical Figures

  • Jean Parisot de Valette: The Grand Master of the Knights of St. John, who led the defense during the Great Siege and initiated the construction of Valletta.

  • Francesco Laparelli: The Italian military engineer responsible for the initial design of Valletta's fortifications.

  • Gerolamo Cassar: A Maltese architect who implemented Laparelli's plans and designed several key buildings in Valletta, including St. John's Co-Cathedral.

Important Landmarks

  • St. John's Co-Cathedral: A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, known for its ornate interior and Caravaggio's famous painting, "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist."

  • The Grandmaster's Palace: Once the residence of the Grand Master of the Knights and now housing the Office of the President of Malta and the House of Representatives.

  • Fort St. Elmo: A star-shaped fort at the tip of the peninsula, which played a critical role during the Great Siege.

  • The Auberges: These were the residences of the different langues (languages) of the Knights. Notable ones include Auberge de Castille and Auberge de Provence.

  • Upper Barrakka Gardens: Offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, this public garden was originally built as a recreational area for the Knights.

  • National Museum of Archaeology: Housed in the Auberge de Provence, it showcases Malta's rich prehistoric heritage.

Modern Era

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1980, Valletta was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical significance and well-preserved architecture.

  • Cultural Capital: Valletta was named the European Capital of Culture in 2018, reflecting its vibrant arts scene and historical importance.

Today, Valletta is a bustling cultural and commercial center, combining its rich history with modern developments. It remains a testament to the strategic importance and resilience of Malta throughout history.