This epic port is itself an outdoor museum and the entire city is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just being here animates the ancient history, feeling like you are acting out a movie or back in time experiencing the events. I was absolutely enchanted by this port and love sharing tips on how best to enjoy the top Valletta Malta attractions.
About Valletta, Malta
Malta is an island country, making up an archipelago, just 80 km south of Italy. Being in the center of the Mediterranean, it was a strategic target and occupied by numerous countries, such as, Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, Knights of St John, French, and British. Currently, the Republic of Malta is the world’s 10th smallest country and very densely populated. Valletta is the capital city.
Valletta lies on a peninsula between the Grand and Marsamxett harbors. The Grand Harbor is Malta’s greatest geographical strength and it’s absolutely breathtaking. The fortification of Malta is well-known as some of the most extraordinary military architecture in all of history.
Overall, there are 9 wonderful forts in Valletta’s Grand harbor including the prominent Saint Andrew’s, Manoel and Saint Elmo Forts.
The entire city of Valletta is an open-air museum with stunning architecture, monuments and art taking you back in time!
During WW II, Malta became severely damaged by Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. Overall, Valletta experienced some of the worst bombardment in Europe. Immediately, however, after the war the city was rebuilt, resurrecting it to the replica of its magnificent military and historic architecture.
Top Valletta Malta Attractions
Cruising into Valletta’s Grand Harbor for the first time is one of the most awesome experiences of my life. Mesmerized, my imagination ran wild. One moment it seemed we were back in ancient times among the forts, canons and castles performing a military coup. And another moment I imagined taking part in an epic movie scene. If you don’t arrive by ship, then take one of the Grand Harbor Boat tours to experience the historic harbor in its entirety.
Fort St. Elmo and National War Museum
The most famous and oldest fort in Valletta is the star-shaped St. Elmo on the tip of the peninsula. It’s where Malta’s tragic event, “The Great Siege” happened, besieged for 30 days by the Ottoman Empire and killing almost all of the 1,500 defenders. The fort also served as a significant defensive fort during WW II, being bombed and later rebuilt. St. Elmo is featured in many movies, such as Midnight Express, World War Z, Murder on the Orient Express, Clash of the Titans, 13 Hours and American Assassin.
Additionally, now, the fort houses the National War Museum for military buffs. Laid out in 5 sections, it retraces the military events from the Knights of St. John with the Ottomans to World War I & II.
Additionally, other forts on Grand and Marasamxett Harbors include Manoel, Ricasoli, Rinella, St Rocco, St Angelo, St Michael, Tigne and San Salvatore.
Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens
A panoramic lift takes you to the the Upper Gardens, a nice sanctuary in the middle of Valletta with many flower gardens, arches and benches overlooking the Grand Harbour. The Lower Gardens are further away, closer to Fort Saint Elmo and National War Museum.
Saluting Battery
Along the eastern historic ramparts, this battery aims into the middle of Grand Harbor. This is where they used to shoot at foreign invasive ships. Every day at noon they shoot a canon to commemorate this battery. Furthermore, this may be the oldest battery still in use today.
Saint John’s Co-Cathedral
In the center of Valletta is this magnificent Saint John’s Co-Cathedral dedicated to John the Baptist. Even though the exterior is rather plain in a Mannerist style, the interior is ornately gilded in Baroque. The vaulted ceiling, walls and altars are painted with the life story of John the Baptist. It’s one of the best examples of high Baroque architecture in all of Europe. The most famous art in the cathedral’s Oratory is Caravaggio’s painting, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
Republic Street and Merchant Street
Republic street is a 1 km stretch with historic landmark buildings and institutions, such as, Freedom Square, Archeology Museum, Grandmaster’s Palace and Royal Opera House. It starts at the bronzed Triton Fountain in front of the City Gates and ends at the St. Elmo Fort. Merchant Street is an open-air market with merchandise, such as, books, antiques and clothing at bargain prices.
Lascaris War Rooms
Below the Upper Barrakka Gardens is the Lascaris War Rooms (LWR). It served as part of the British Combined War Headquarters, opening in 1940 to 1977. Beneath 40 m of bedrock, it consists of tunnels excavated to protect from bombing. It opened during “Operation Husky,” the invasion of Sicily. Overall, it displays many chambers, crypto rooms, communication stations, offices and dormitories. Guided or self-guided tours are available.
Three Cities of Malta
From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, you see across the harbour the 3 cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. From the harbour front the Three Cities ferry is accessible at the Upper Barrakka Lift. These are preserved fortified cities of Malta to relive history and culture. Also, highlights include the Malta Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa and the Safe Haven Gardens at Senglea Point for panoramic views of Valletta.
Overall, Valletta Malta Attractions
For anyone that is a history or military buff, Valletta is a must-see destination. With some of the world’s most renowned military architecture and fortification rebuilt, Valletta takes you back in time. This is why we travel to immerse ourselves in another time and place.
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