DESTINATION INFORMATION
'The Fortress City'
The city of the Knights of the Order of St John, Valletta is steeped in history and is known for its architecture.
Nowhere in Malta is the life of the Islands reflected more than here. The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets house fine works or art, churches and palaces, as well as pretty squares, courtyards, gardens and any number of cafés. Shopping in Malta means quaint old shops in Valletta's backstreets, the latest fashions in shopping plazas and colourful markets.
The main hustle and bustle in the city is focused around Republic Square, and the city overlooks the impressive Grand Harbour to the south-east and the Marsamxett Harbour to the north-west. Collectively known as the Three Cities, Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua lie to the south-east.
A walk around the city walls features spectacular views out over the Grand Harbour, and one of the best places to take in the majesty of the scenery is the Upper Barracca Gardens.
One of the best ways to appreciate the island is to take one of the many cruises on offer, from a short harbour cruise to one lasting a half- or full-day, out to Comino or Gozo.
The fashionable areas of Sliema, St Julian's and Paceville are to the north of Valletta, and offer shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife.
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WHAT TO DO
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Grand Master's Palace ~ Now the seat of the Maltese parliament, it is possible to visit the State Apartments, except during official state visits.
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St John's Co-Cathedral ~ The interior of this cathedral, built in the 1570's, is in the Baroque style. Inside is the Cathedral Museum, which has two paintings by the Italian painter, Caravaggio.
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Fort St Elmo ~ Built in 1552 by the Knights of St John, this building is generally closed to the public, but worth a look from the outside.
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National War Museum ~ Depicting Malta's involvement during WWII.
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National Museum of Archaeology ~ Beautiful objects on display from Malta's prehistoric sites, in particular the female figurines, known as the 'fat ladies'.
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Manoel Theatre ~ One of the oldest in Europe, you can take a guided tour of the baroque auditorium.
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Hal Saflieni Hypogeium ~ A complex of underground burial chambers, thought to date from around 3600-3000 BC. Tours are available but should be pre-booked.
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Upper Barracca Gardens ~ These beautiful gardens are laid out on part of the old fortifications of Valletta. There are several statues in the gardens, including one of Sir Winston Churchill, and the terraces of the gardens are one of the best places to take in the amazing views of the harbour.
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Cruises ~ Cruises around Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, taking in Valletta, the Three Cities and Manoel Island, lasting an hour or so; or opt for half- or full-day tours cruising northwards to the sister islands of Gozo and Comino.
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