In this article, we will give you a brief travel guide to the famous city of Valletta, including a list of suggestions for places to visit while on the Maltese Islands. However, first, we will give some details about the Maltese Islands.
Malta is made up of a set of islands located in the central Mediterranean Sea. Although most people see Malta as being a popular “sun and sea” holiday destination, increasingly, travellers from all over are discovering the country’s rich history and culture. Among the many amazing landmarks in Malta, Valletta is a particular gem of a city. It may be Europe’s smallest capital, but it’s certainly not short on charm and has a lot to offer so it will take centre stage in this article..
Victoria Gate, Valletta, Malta
Victoria Gate is a city gate named after Queen Victoria in Valletta, Malta. It was built by the British in 1885 and replaced the old “Porta del Monte” (named after one of the Grand Masters). This replacement occurred due to the fact that Marina street was one of the busiest streets at the time, and there was a growing need for a bigger gate.
Although this is not the main city gate, it is the main gate from the Grand Harbour and has made a stunning addition to the area. Definitely worth visiting.
National War Museum
For history buffs out there, the National War Museum is one of the top places of interest and one of the most popular museums in Malta. This is a must-see war museum as it represents Malta’s important military role under British rule as well as the crucial role Malta played during both of the World Wars.
It houses a superb collection of artefacts that go back to prehistoric times. Among the most notable artefacts in the museum, one can find the military armour of Malta’s award for gallantry, the George Cross, Order of St John and the Ottoman Turks, and so on.
St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta
A stay in Malta‘s capital is definitely not complete without a visit to St John’s Co-Cathedral Malta. Commissioned in 1572, this is a Roman Catholic co-cathedral dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and it is considered one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture in Europe.
It is important that one is not fooled by the simplicity of its exterior. St. John’s Cathedral has a lot to offer. The Cathedral consists of nine eloquently decorated chapels on either side; eight were constructed for each of the languages of the Knights of St John, and the ninth is dedicated to the patron saint of all the knights – Our Lady of Philermos.
The co-Cathedral also holds a number of impressive Baroque frescos, stunning statues, ornate marble floors, and beautifully painted vaulted ceilings adorned by the well-known Italian Baroque artist, Mattia Preti. Interestingly, the floor is also covered with memorials for the dead knights with colourful inlaid marble. Apart from this, the Co-Cathedral oratory is also home to one of the most internationally recognized paintings known as ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ by Caravaggio. This is exceptional as it is the only painting which contains his signature.
Stay with Us
Without a doubt, you should definitely visit the city of Valletta. You can even book a room at 1926 La Galerie to be at the centre of this bustling city. Here you will see that this hotel was very heavily inspired by La Vallette who is the grandmaster that the city is named after. Contact us on [email protected] to book or for more information.
