Located on the North-Eastern shore of Malta, Valletta was founded by the Order of Saint John after the Turks of the Ottoman Empire invaded the island in the 1565 Siege of Malta. Its official name, Umilissima Civitas Valletta, was supposed to reflect the city's humility, but today Valletta is more commonly known as Superbissima by Europeans, for its Old World splendour, genteel culture and magnificent Baroque architecture. The name of the city comes from Jean Parisot de la Valette, the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John in 1566, when Valletta was founded.
Within 15 years of de la Valette laying the first stone to mark the site of the future city, Valletta already had several completed structures, including bastions, forts, and a cathedral.
Valletta became a sizeable city, reaching nearly 30,000 inhabitants at one time as people from all over the island flocked there for the protection of the city walls. It was one of the first cities in Europe to use a grid street system. After the war, much of the economic development occurred in the suburbs, leading to a population drain that has left Valletta with a population of fewer than 10,000, today. However, the small city remains the capital and administrative centre of the island.
Auberge D'italie
The Auberges of the Knights are the Inns (or officers' quarters) where knights of a particular 'langue' used to reside. Construction for the Auberge d'ltalie began in 1574. Situated In the upper part of Merchants street and In front of another notable building, Palazzo Parisio, It has a fine facade designed by Romano Carapecchra.
The National Museum of Fine Arts
This splendid palace. known as Admiralty House during the British period, was originally erected In 1570 and restored In the 1960s. It is well worth a visit, both for the art collection it houses and to see one of Valletta's most elegant palaces,
St.James' Cavalier
Asa millennium project, St James Cavalier was transformed into a Centre for Creativity, adapting internal spaces to modern use. It now provides backdrop for numerous exhibitions, recitals, concerts, festivals and cinema shows.
The Manoel Theatre and Museum
The Manoel Theatre, built for the 'honest entertainment of the people', by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena in 1731, is one of the oldest theatres in Europe still in use The Theatre Museum traces the history of the theatre in Malta.
Auberge de Castille
The Auberge de Castille was the official seat of the Knights of the Langue of Castille, Leon and Portugal. The auberges were intended mainly as the residences of Knights who did not have a home of their own in Malta, and for the reception of persons of distinction who, in their travels, found themselves in Malta and in need of hospitality.
Following the departure of the Knights of St. John, the Auberge de Castille served as the headquarters of the French occupation forces, between 1798 and 1800, and as British Army Headquarters alter 1800. It became the Office of the Prime Minister in 1972.
National Museum of Archaeology
Housed in one of the Inns of residence of the Knights of St John - the Auberge de Provence - the museum contains the more important finds from the many prehistoric sites across the Islands. In chronological display are items of pottery, sculptures, statuettes, stone implements
and personal ornaments.
National War Museum
The Malta War Museum, housed at Fort St.Elmo, has a permanent exhibition of relics and personal memorabilia of World War II including the heroic Gloster Gladiator -christened Faith as well as the George Cross.
Palazzo Ferreria
Palazzo Ferreria IS found opposite the ruins of the Royal Opera House. Its facade resembles that of a Venetian palace. Popularly known as Palazzo Francia, from the family name that had built and owned it, it originally housed the Knights' foundry - hence the name of Palazzo Ferreria.
St. John's Co-Cathedral
The simple, sober facade of St John's gives no hint of its lavish interior. It was built as the conventual church of the Order and the Knights spent enormous sums of money embellishing the chapels of their langues. The cathedral was built between 1572 and 1581 by Geralomo Cassar, and his training as a military engineer accounts for the sober exterior. Nearly a century later the prolific Italian artist, Mattia Preti, transformed Cassar's severe interior into a glowing showpiece of baroque art. His greatest task, which occupied him for five years, was the decoration of the vault.
Fort St. Elmo
Guarding the approaches to both Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour is Fort St Elmo. It was the scene of a heroic defence during the Great Siege of 1565. Today, the Fort is the setting for the 'In Guardia' historical re-enactments full-scale military parades in period costume, held throughout the year except during peak summer months.
The Upper Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barracca Gardens are situated near Auberge de Castille. From these gardens you can enjoy unrivalled views across one of the world's largest and deepest natural harbours, Grand Harbour, and over to the Three Cities, The origins of the Upper Barracca garden go back to 1661, when In effect it was a 'private' garden of the Italian knights.
Toy Museum
Showcased on three floors are toys from the 1950s onward. Of particular interest is a collection of Corgi, Dinky and Matchbox cars,
Sacra Infermeria
Valletta's Sacra Infermeria, built In 1574, was the best-equipped hospital of the Order. In its day, it counted among the finest hospitals in Europe, The Infermeria had six wards; the largest measured 161 metres and is still the longest, and one of the most impressive, rooms In Europe.
Hastings Gardens
Hastings Garden is found in Windmill Street, Valletta. This is a small, attractive city garden set on the bastions of Valletta with splendid views of Manoel Island and Msida Creek.
Casa Rocca Piccola
This small palazzo, built in 1580, is a window on Maltese domestic culture of yesteryear. It was the private home of the 9th Marquis de Piro. It contains over 40 rooms and a delightful courtyard. The opening to the public of this private family home gives you the opportunity to see how a patrician household lived.
The Castellania
The Castellania building served as the Law Courts during the time of the Portuguese Grand Masters. On top of this building are two statues signifying Truth and Justice. The building was completed in 1760. It was built during the reign of Grand Master Pinto and the crescent moons from his crest decorate the building.
The Casino Maltese
The Casino Maltese, considered as a national institution, on many occasions served as the Town Hall of Valletta, where many distinguished international personalities were entertained. The Casino Maltese now serves as a Gentleman’s Club.
The Siege Bell Memorial
Inaugurated in 1992 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Siege Bell Memorial is a monument to the fallen of World War II. The bell is rung each day at mid-day.
Lower Barakka Gardens
This garden perches on the bastion edge overlooking the entrance to Grand Harbour. It commands a superb viewpoint of the harbour mouth, and over to Fort Ricasoli, Bighi Palace, Fort St. Angelo and the creeks of Vittoriosa and Kalkara. Among the trees, stands a monument to Sir Alexander Ball.
Source: Sky life, March 2007.
