Valletta: The Capital of Malta
History and Construction
Valletta is the capital city of Malta, and it was built after the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Once the fight against the Ottoman Empire was over, the Knights of St. John began building Valletta in 1566. They put up strong walls and handsome buildings right next to the coast, and the work carried on until 1572. Some of the best city planners of the day worked on it. Valletta was also one of the first cities laid out in a grid and given a proper sewage system.
Valletta in World War II
The Second World War was a hard time for Valletta. Between 1939 and 1945 the city was bombed many times, but the people who lived there did not give up. They repaired the damage and saved a lot of the old buildings, which is why so much of the city’s history and character is still here today.
Buildings and Architectural Style
There is a lot to look at as you walk around. Old churches, palaces, and narrow streets show off Baroque and Renaissance styles, and the buildings are made from local stone with pretty windows and carefully detailed doors. It all makes Valletta a lovely place to wander through.
Food, Museums, and Popular Places
Valletta is also known for its food. You can try local dishes like pastizzi, rabbit stew, and fresh seafood, and there are good pastries too, such as cannoli. In summer, the ice cream is well worth it. For something quieter, the National Museum of Archaeology and the Grand Master’s Palace are both worth your time, and most visitors enjoy a stroll through the Upper Barrakka Gardens and a look inside St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
Conclusion
Valletta packs a lot of history into a small space, and it still feels lively today. If you are in Malta, it is an easy place to spend a day and one you will probably want to come back to.
Valletta Quiz
Would you like to learn English in Malta? At Maltalingua you can study English during the day and then visit places like Valletta on our activity programme.
Each trip comes with a tour guide and Maltalingua staff, so you get to practise your English while you explore.