"City of the Knights" Valletta by edinka

Malta's capital city, called the City of Knights, dates from the 16th century. Valletta (population 109,000) was one of Europe's first planned cities, with building codes, a grid street pattern, and garbage and sewage systems. Sitting on a peninsula, Valletta boasts two excellent harbors: Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour. A fairly compact city, it can easily be seen in one day. The Upper Barrakka Gardens give a great overview, and then follow up by getting a closer view from the harbors (take the inexpensive two-hour cruise).

Valletta seems to have a museum on every block. Some of our favorites are the national museums of fine arts (in an 18th-century palace) and archaeology and the museum adjoining the elaborately decorated St. John's Co-Cathedral (the church's marble floors are unforgettable). To better understand the martial history of Valletta, visit the 16th-century Grand Masters Palace and Armory and the National War Museum. Go on to the Lascaris War Rooms, which were bomb-proof headquarters for the British air force during World War II. When you tire of museums, spend time visiting shops, strolling the city's ramparts or perusing the Malta Government Crafts Centre (where local handicrafts are on display and for sale).

The Knights of Malta were segregated by place of origin and assigned to neighborhoods, called langues. A number of their auberges (the buildings in which they once lived) can still be seen. These structures are concentrated in an area known as the Collachio. There is a 450-year-old Jewish ghetto in lower Valletta.

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. It dominates, in one wide sweep, the Island's historic Grand Harbour - one of the finest natural ports in Europe. Within its limited boundaries, the city reflects some of Malta's rich heritage of archaeology, history, architecture, art and culture. Viewing is essential. It's also worth spending a good part of a morning walking round this beautiful city. A camera would come in handy, particularly for the views on both sides of Valletta from the streets, which are laid out in a grid-like fashion. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to provide sustinence during your visit.