+25About Valletta
Valletta is the capital city of Malta, colloquially known as Il-Belt (English: The City) in Maltese. It is located in the central-eastern portion of the island of Malta. Valletta contains buildings from the 16th century onwards, built during the rule of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (the Knights Hospitaller). The city is essentially Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture in selected areas, though World War II left major scars on the city. The City of Valletta was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. The city is named for Jean Parisot de la Valette, who succeeded in defending the island from an Ottoman invasion in 1565. The official name given by the Order of Saint John was Humilissima Civitas Valletta — The Most Humble City of Valletta, or Cittа Umilissima in Italian. The bastions, curtains and ravelins along with the beauty of its Baroque palaces, gardens and churches, led the ruling houses of Europe to give the city its nickname Superbissima — 'Most Proud'.
Basic information
Valletta is a city rich in cultural tradition. Compared to other older cities in Europe, Valletta is only 440 Years young, yet it has the stature, history and profile similar to its sister Capitals of Europe, proud of being a World Heritage City. Valletta is no fossilized crib, but a dynamic cultural and commercial hub full of activity, and an attraction to all.
Nature
Valletta features a Mediterranean climate with very warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Like other cities with this climate, Valletta experiences a lack of precipitation during the summer months and heavier precipitation during the winter months. During the winter months, temperatures are moderated somewhat by the citys proximity to the sea. As a result Valletta enjoys mild, but not chilly, winters. Average high temperatures range from around 15 C (59 F) in January to about 30 C (86 F) in August, while average low temperatures range from around 10 C (50 F) in January to 22 C (72 F) in August.
Infrastructure
The Palace Armoury in Merchants Street is one of the world’s greatest arms collections housed in their original buildings, and ranks among the most valuable historic monuments of European culture. Visitors will find that nearly all the items are authentic pieces from the early years of the Order in Malta – the period before and after the Great Siege of 1565. Casa Rocca Piccola is a privately owned and a much loved family home. The value of Casa Rocca Piccola lies in its ability to provide unique historical evidence into the customs and traditions of the Maltese nobility over the last 400 years. One can also see a collection of furniture, silver and paintings that add to the aesthetic riches of Valletta. Casa Rocca Piccola contains over 50 rooms, the majority of which are open for viewing. Over the last few years a Museum of Costume has been opened in the property and also the World War II Air Raid Shelters have provided a dramatic and exciting addition to the tours of the house. This has all been made possible from the contributions that come in from the thousands of tourists who come to Malta and Valletta every year. The Co-Cathedral of St John is nothing short of a gem and quite simply a must for any tourist. Described as the first complete example of high Baroque anywhere, it epitomises the spiritual and military role of its patrons. The Cathedral is a showcase to Mattia Preti who intricately carved stone wall designs, as well as the painted vaulted ceiling and side altars with scenes from the life of St John. Among the treasures found in the Cathedral are the unique Caravaggio painting depicting the beheading of St John, the extraordinary paving of more than 300 marble tomb slabs (the burial place of several former European princes), and the splendid vaulted central nave with frescoes of Mattia Preti.
- Food & Drink
- Cafe
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Clothing markets
- Clothing stores
- Souvenir shops
- Entertainment
- Discos
- Entertainment types:
- Museums
- Theaters
- Sights and excursions
- Large quantity
- Recommendations
- Tips:
- Location type
- Beach
- Sightseeing
- Location level
- High level
- Target audience
- Families
- Friends
- Youth
