Valletta is the smallest capital city in the European Union, but it manages to pack a surprising amount inside of those sturdy city walls. Good things in small packages, that sort of thing. And Valletta crams a whole lot of culture and history into very little space. I mean, the entire city has been designated a World Heritage site. So other than the fact you won’t have to wear out too much shoe leather traversing the 0.8 km2, what else does Malta’s capital offer the discerning traveller?
I’ve picked out five different locations which allow you to take a step back in time and appreciate the rich and varied history of Valletta.
Caravaggio Was Here
On one of his not infrequent diversions to avoid the long arm of the law, master painter Caravaggio ended up spending a few years in Malta, under the protection of the local knights. He paid for his protection with paintings for his benefactors, and today St John’s Co-Cathedral hosts the stunning ‘Beheading of St John’ on one wall of its incredibly ornate interior. He was also held prisoner in Fort St Angelo in Birgu, which you can get a great view of from the Barakka gardens although I don’t think you are allowed to go inside the fort yet.
http://stjohnscocathedral.com – St John Street
Lascaris War Rooms
Malta was awarded the George’s Cross by a grateful British monarch, impressed by the stoic resolve of the locals during constant bombardment during World War 2. But deep beneath the city, the Lascaris war rooms were hewn out of the limestone on which Valletta is built. These rooms were used by such notables as General Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery as they plotted the invasion of Italy in 1943, and they have been restored to provide a taste of the claustrophobic atmosphere to visitors today.
http://www.lascariswarrooms.com – St James Ditch
Grand Master’s Palace
The Grand Master of the Knights of St John oversaw the island from this luxurious dwelling, and the Palace has played host to the rulers of the island for hundreds of years. The well-stocked armoury includes the suit of armour belonging to Grand Master Jean La Vallete, the man who gave his name to the city.
http://heritagemalta.org/museums-sites/the-palace-state-rooms/ – Palace Square
Manoel Theatre
The first performers on the stage of the Manoel Theatre were Knights from the order of St John, back in 1732. During British rule, this ornately decorated theatre cemented its position as the nation’s entertainment capital. In the second world war the theatre was a refuge for those bombed out of house and home, but it survived intact and still stages regular performances to this day.
http://www.teatrumanoel.com.mt/ – Triq it-Teatru l-Antik
Nightlife on Strait Street
Strait Street is known as the place where sailors on shore leave in Valletta went to let their hair down. And in true nautical fashion, boozing and brawling formed the principal entertainment in what used to be known as ‘The Gut’. It’s a little less rowdy these days, but you can still find a few bars to sink back a glass or two of the local Cisk lager.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2015Share this:
I couldn’t resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!