About Valletta

Valletta

Malta might be a tiny Island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, but if you think you are going to see everything on your first visit, then you are mistaken. Malta has over 7000 years of history and every place visited has a story behind it. Read more about why you should choose to travel to Malta to visit Valletta. 

Valletta City

Valletta city of knights

Valletta, the capital was built by Jean de la Valette, French Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, after the epic siege of 1565. The locality of Valletta dominates the island’s historic Grand Harbour – one of the finest natural ports in Europe. Within its limited boundaries is reflected some of Malta’s rich heritage of archaeology, history, architecture, art and culture. On the arrival of the Knights in 1530 Valletta was still a rocky hill called Xibberras and Vittoriosa was the centre of all harbour activities.

Valletta Purpose

The purpose of Valletta

The locality of Valletta was the magnificence of its palaces and other treasures that led Sir Walter Scott to describe Valletta as “The city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”. Valletta, Malta’s capital, is a 16th-century rarity that has changed little over the centuries. It was planned for military purposes and its walls are also bastions and fortifications. Valletta is also packed with churches and palaces. There is no city quite like it in the world. The knights used to the call it ‘the humble city’ and the Maltese call it ‘Il-Belt’.

Valletta Siege

History of Valletta

The foundation stone contained this inscription in Latin: “Fra Jean De La Vallette, Grand Master of the Hospitaller Order of Jerusalem. Mindful of the danger of which, a year before, his Knights and the Maltese people were exposed during the siege by the Turks. 

Having consulted the heads of the Order about the construction of a new city and the fortifying of the same by walls, ramparts and towers sufficient to resist or to repel or, at least, to withstand the Turkish enemy, on Thursday the 287 March 1566. 

Valletta Desgin

Francesco Laparelli

Five years later, the city was complete — planned by an Italian military engineer, Francesco Laparelli, a colleague of Michelangelo; built in the main by his assistant, Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar; and named for the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John who initiated the plan, Jean Parisot de la Vallette.

If the Knights of St. John, who built the city, had had their way, most of their original buildings— including palaces—would have been all together, campus-style. But military need dictated that they be located strategically, inland or on the shoreline, within the district that each grouping of Knights was responsible for defending. So a visitor in Valletta comes upon them throughout the city.

Valletta Cost

The cost of the city

The cost of the city was enormous, for the Order was determined to create not only an impregnable fortress, but a city of architectural magnificence and a Baroque masterpiece.

The city’s character still reflects the nature of the Knights — an unusual amalgam of an aristocratic disdain that tended to isolate them from any but their own, and a doctrinal Christian humility that kept them dedicated for seven centuries to the welfare of pilgrims and other travellers.

Property in Valletta

Valletta buildings

Inside the fortification Valletta is a city of superbly decorated churches and palaces. Malta is a limestone island, and every Malta property including houses and buildings, are of golden limestone. This also includes current property for sale in Malta. Throughout, on buildings grand and humble, enclosed balconies of painted wood proclaim the city’s Renaissance birth.

Among the original buildings are the auberges, convents, or inns in which young Knights lived collegiately and where travellers could find food and shelter. Many of the palaces built by the Knights are now government offices and include the Prime Minister’s residence and Parliament.

The Knights’ major hospital, the Sacra Infermeria, is Valletta’s conference centre; the Palace of the Grand Masters is the seat of Parliament and the President’s office. St. John’s Co-Cathedral contains elaborate carvings in stone, the inlaid, multicoloured marble tombstones of the Knights, and Caravaggio’s famous “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist”.

Valletta Museums & Palaces

Museums and Palaces in Valletta

Here are some interesting museums located in Valletta.

The National Museum of Archeology

The very important collections covering Maltese archaeology are housed in the Auberge de Provence, Valletta, one of the inns of the Knights of St. John. Collections of prehistoric pottery, sculpture, statuettes, stone implements and personal ornaments recovered from the Maltese megalithic temples and other prehistoric sites are exhibited. Typical examples of tomb furniture of the Punic and Roman periods are also displayed.

The National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta – now under major renovation with UNESCO’s technical and financial assistance – will, when completed, house a comprehensive overview of Malta’s past, from the arrival of people in the fifth millennium BC, to the building of Valletta in the 10th century.

The National Museum of Fine Arts

This 18th century palace houses paintings, sculptures, furniture and other exhibits connected with the Order of St. John. Works by Domenico di Michelino, Carpaccio, Perugino, Tintoretto, Reni, Valentin, Mathias Stomer, Preti, Tiepolo, Favray and Vernet are permanently displayed. A section is specifically reserved for works by Maltese artists. Occasional exhibitions, together with concerts and lectures are also held here. In the monetarium a unique collection of coins and medals may be viewed by appointment.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral & Museum

St. John’s Co-Cathedral, formerly the Conventual Church of the Order of St John, is historically and artistically one of the most important monuments on the island.

It was built between 1573 and 1577 to the design of Gerolamo Cassar, chief engineer of the Order. The “Beheading of St. John”, Caravaggio’s masterpiece, hangs in the Oratory. Inside the Cathedral is a hymn of light and colour to the glory of the ‘Monks in Armour’ and their patron Saint Sr John. Scenes from the life of the Saint are depicted by the famous artist Mattia Preti along the whole length of the ceiling.

The side chapels serving the various languages into which the Order was divided are of magnificent artistry. In the crypt there are buried the Grand Masters of the Order who died before St. John’s was built. The museum houses a unique collection of Flemish tapestries, silver objects and church vestments.

Palace of the Grand Master

These last four hundred years this palace has been successively known as the Grand Master’s, the Governor’s, the Governor-General’s and the President’s Palace.

The Palace in Valletta is equivalent to any royal or presidential palace in Europe. The Magisterial Palace was completed in 1574. It contains portraits of the Grand Masters of the Order and European monarchs, much interesting furniture, and other works of art.

A unique collection of Gobelin tapestries hangs in the Tapestry Chamber and the main hall is decorated with frescoes by Perez d’Aleccio, depicting episodes from the Great Siege. The decoration on the ceiling of the corridors is by Nicolo Nasoni. Many of the State apartments are decorated with friezes depicting episodes from the history of the Order. On view are works by Ribera, Van Loo and Batoni.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral & Museum

St. John’s Co-Cathedral, formerly the Conventual Church of the Order of St John, is historically and artistically one of the most important monuments on the island.

It was built between 1573 and 1577 to the design of Gerolamo Cassar, chief engineer of the Order. The “Beheading of St. John”, Caravaggio’s masterpiece, hangs in the Oratory. Inside the Cathedral is a hymn of light and colour to the glory of the ‘Monks in Armour’ and their patron Saint Sr John. Scenes from the life of the Saint are depicted by the famous artist Mattia Preti along the whole length of the ceiling.

The side chapels serving the various languages into which the Order was divided are of magnificent artistry. In the crypt there are buried the Grand Masters of the Order who died before St. John’s was built. The museum houses a unique collection of Flemish tapestries, silver objects and church vestments.

The Armoury

The Armoury of the Knights is in two halls in the Palace where arms and armour of various periods and description are displayed. In the armoury one finds a collection of European weapons; and it is surprising that so much has survived the Great Siege.

Upper Barrakka

Upper Barrakka Gardens

The Upper Barrakka is situated near the Auberge de Castille and Leon, the Prime Minister’s office. This site commands a magnificent view of Grand Harbour, one of the finest harbours in Europe. From its terrace one can enjoy the unique view of Fort Ricasoli, Fort St Angelo, Senglea, Vittoriosa and Kalkara and Marsa Creek.

Valletta places of interest

Other palaces of interest

Auberge De Castille

Auberge de Castille was the official seat of the Knights of the Langue of Castille, Leon and Portugal. The auberges, or inns, of the Order 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. The Langue of Castille was one of the most powerful of the Order, and its Head was the Grand Chancellor.

A nearby church, dedicated to St James, was the Langue’s church. The Knights of the Langue of Castille, Leon and Portugal were responsible for the defence of part of the fortifications of Valletta, known as the

Bastion of St Barbara. It is situated at the top of the highest point of Valletta and originally looked on a wide open space and on the rolling country beyond, giving it a unique beauty unsurpassed by any other Malta property and buildings in the city.

The original Auberge was built by the renowned Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar in 1574. It was extensively re-modelled and virtually rebuilt by another Maltese architect, Andrea Belli, in 1741. The Auberge has a central courtyard, the rooms on three sides being approached through arched corridors, with the fourth side screening the main apartments in the piano nobile.

The building is the finest work of eighteenth century baroque architecture in Valletta. The facade is rich, yet not over-decorated, and its proportions – and especially its fenestration – are particularly pleasing. Ornamentation is concentrated in the crowning cornice, the window mouldings and surrounds, and above all, in the riot of clustered sculpture of the very rich central focus.

The principal apartments are reached through an external flight of steps from Castille Place and a magnificent staircase which possesses – both in concept and execution – a rare degree of architectural excellence. The building was damaged during the siege of the French forces (1799 – 1800) as well as during the Second World War.

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 after 1800. It became the Office of the Prime Minister in 1972.

Manoel Theatre

The Manoel Theatre was originally built as a Court Theatre by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena in 1731. The theatre was officially opened on 19th January 1732 with the performance of Merope by Maffei. In 1812 the name of the theatre was changed from Teatro Pubblico to Teatro Reale; and in 1866 was changed again to Manoel Theatre after the Grand Master who built it.

When the Opera House was built in 1866, Manoel Theatre was serving as a dormitory for beggars and destitute; but when the Opera House was burnt down in 1878 the beggars were turned out and once again grand opera was presented in the Manoel Theatre pending on the restoration of the Opera House.

Through the years it has enchanted all who have visited it including actors and architects, with its old world charm. Plays and opera’s are often held here. It is believed to be the oldest theatres in Europe and it is still in operation.

Valletta Opera House

The Valletta Opera House was a very architecturally impressive building situated metres from the main city gate. During the last world war it was severely damaged and since then pulled down and never rebuilt. A. Samut Tagliaferro wrote in the Sunday Times of Malta in 1965 – “Coming suddenly upon this building for the first time, one experience a shock of surprise. It is obviously British that one might well be in London, or Manchester, or Liverpool, were it not for the whiteness of the stone, which alone tends to dispel the illusion.”

The building was commenced in 1860 and its cost was approximately 60,000. Edward Middleton Barry, the architect, prepared the design in England. The Opera House was officially opened in 1866 with the splendid glittering performance of Bellini’s I Puritani. Seven years later the interior was gutted by a disastrous fire. However, the rebuilding followed the original design and Valletta had for many years a fine, spacious auditorium on the classical model with five tiers of boxes encircling the seating in the stalls.

Mediterranean Congress Centre

This building was originally the hospital or “Sacra Infermeria” of the Order of St. John. It was constructed in 1574 under Grand Master de la Cassiere and achieved fame as one of the foremost hospitals of the period in Europe. Food was served by the Knights themselves on silver plates, specimens of which, together with ceramic pharmacy jars, may be seen at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

The restoration and conversion of this edifice into a first class conference centre in 1976 won the “Europa Nostra Award” for Malta. The exhibition Hall, formerly the Great Ward of the hospital, which measures 161 meters long, is believed to be one of the longest halls in Europe.

The main conference hall, seating 1,400 people was destroyed by fire in 1987 and has since been rebuilt. The excellent 40 minute audiovisual show, the Malta Experience, covering 5,000 years of Maltese history, is housed in this centre.

The Sacred Infirmary

This impressive building was erected by the Grand Master de la Cassiere in 1575 and extended during the rule of Grand Master Rafael Cottoner. The hospital consisted of six large wards. During the French occupation of the island the Sacred Infirmary was used as a military hospital and subsequently as a wine store. Under the British rule, it once again was used as a military hospital.

Public Library

The last major structure built by the Knights of Malta in Valletta before their departure from the Island is the Public Library called the ‘Bibliotheca Publica’. The National Library has on show unique historic documents, with various illuminated manuscripts in glass cases. There are also priceless archives of the Order of St John and 60 incunabula, ie books printed before 1500.

It contains also the original records of the Knights of St John (1107-1798) and of the suppressed “Universita” of Malta. The “Universita” which was the constituted civil authority represented by the Jurats’ who were at the head of Municipalities of the islands, is known to have existed in 1283, during the reign of Peter of Aragon. The archives contain over 7,000 manuscripts, volumes and records.

Our Lady of Victory Church

When the city of Valletta was inaugurated in 1566 a chapel was built where the foundation stone was laid by Grand Master La Valette. It was dedicated to the Nativity of Our lady. The victory over the Turkish armada occurred on the 7 September 1965, the eve of the birth of the Virgin Mary.

Later La Valette dedicated the same chapel to Our Lady of Victory to commemorate the end of the Great Siege. At a Chapter of the Order held in 1566 it was decided that 8 September would be solemnised with great solemnity each year to commemorate the defeat of the Turks.

Grand Master La Valette died on 22 August 1568 and was buried in this church. His remains together with those of Grand Master Pietro del Monte were transferred to the Crypt of St John’s Co-cathedral when work on this magnificent edifice was completed.

Making your viewings count

Fort St. Elmo

St Elmo was rebuilt after the Great Siege of 1565 and occupies the whole point of Valletta, commanding the entrance to the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour.

The original fort with the same name was erected in 1448 and fortified in 1551. Fort St Elmo was the stronghold during the Turks during the Great Siege of 1565 but was raised to the ground with all its defenders killed.

Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt (1601-1622) and Ramon Perellos (1697-1721) assisted in strengthening the Fort and further works were carried out as late as under the British occupation of Malta in 1880.

The National War Museum is housed inside Fort St Elmo.