Valletta, Malta | Top 25 Things to Do & See in Valletta | 4K

Valletta, Malta | Top 25 Things to Do & See in Valletta | 4K

Valletta is a magically beautiful city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site- – located on the northeast coast of the island of Malta. It was founded in 1566 by the Grandmaster of the Knights of the Order of St. John as a fortified city. Valletta is the southernmost capital of Europe, with one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Considering the city is very small, with an area of approximately 1 kilometre by 600 metres, – – the best way to visit all the landmarks is definitely on foot. Strolling through the city, you will admire the baroque architecture, historical buildings, – – picturesque streets and buildings with the distinctive traditional Maltese balconies. You will enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea from the fortified city walls. Also, you will see some of the finest artworks, churches and palaces. One day will be enough for you to visit the most important sights and enjoy the magical atmosphere that the city exudes. Here is our list of the 25 best things to do and see in Valletta: Republic Street is Valletta’s main street, about one kilometre long, – – stretching from Triton’s Fountain and the city gates to Fort St. Elmo. Several important buildings, squares, and landmarks are located along and around the street,- – making it easy to explore because it is primarily a pedestrian zone. Although Republic Street is always crowded with people, it is one of the best places to walk,- – enjoy the architecture and restaurants, and serves as a great starting point for exploring Valletta. The National Museum of Archaeology is housed in a magnificent Baroque building on Republic Street. Inside the museum, you can see exhibits – – from the Neolithic period that provide insight into the cultures of extinct civilisations. The Co-Cathedral of Saint John is located in the heart of Valletta, – – and its interior is one of the most beautiful and impressive examples of Baroque architecture. It was built between 1573 and 1578 and is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, – – and today it is the most visited landmark in Malta. Inside the cathedral, visitors can see works by the artist Mattia Preti, frescoes, a marble floor with tombs, – – beautiful tapestries and the most essential masterpiece, Caravaggio’s ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’. St. George’s Square, also known as Palace Square, – – dates back to the 17th century and is reached by walking along Republic Street. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Grandmaster’s Palace, the Casa dei Conti, – – the Main Guard building, and a palace that now houses the police station, as well as cafés and a beautiful fountain. The Grand Master’s Palace was built between the 16th and 18th centuries and is located in St George’s Square. It was initially the palace of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, and today it houses the office of the President of Malta. Caffè Cordina is a prestigious café situated in a historic palace on Republic Square, opposite the Queen Victoria Monument. Established in 1944 by the Cordina family, this café is one of the best places to enjoy coffee, – – people-watch, and savour traditional handmade sweets and pastries. The National Library of Malta, also known as the Bibliotheca, – – is situated in an 18th-century neoclassical building on Republic Square. It houses an extensive collection of literary masterpieces, – – and the most valuable part of the Library is the Archives of the Order of St. John. Independence Square is situated behind the Manoel Theatre and adjacent to St. Paul’s Church,- – providing visitors with a respite from the capital’s chaos and bustle. Beautiful buildings of traditional Maltese architecture surround this picturesque square, – – making it a perfect spot for taking photos. Pjazza Teatru Rjal, originally the Royal Opera House, is a beautiful open-air theatre located on Republic Street. It was built in 1866 to a design by architect Edward Middleton Barry. Palazzo Ferreria is a beautiful palace situated adjacent to the open-air theatre. It was built in the 19th century according to the architect Giuseppe Bonavia’s project. Today, the palace houses several shops and government offices. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are located right next to Castille Square, at the highest point of Valletta’s bastion. They were built in 1661 as a training ground for the Knights of St. John. The gardens offer a beautiful view of the only natural harbour in the Mediterranean and the Three Cities. At the very entrance to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, there is a large fountain surrounded by flowers and benches for resting. There is also a sculpture of Lord Gerald Strickland, the former Prime Minister of Malta, a bust of Winston Churchill, – – a tomb monument dedicated to Sir Thomas Maitland, commemorative plaques, and more. From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, you can take the elevator from a height of 58 meters down to the Grand Harbour – – and the pier from which boats depart for the Three Cities. The Saluting Battery is an artillery battery located on a terrace below the gardens in the Bastions of Valletta. For over 500 years, it was used to protect the city from enemy attacks, – – and today, the firing from the 16th-century battery is purely ceremonial. Castilla Square is one of Valletta’s largest squares and is home to many notable buildings. It is located very close to the City Gate and the Upper Barrakka Gardens on the hill above the Bastion of Saint James. St. James Bastion is situated on one of the highest points in Valletta, located to the right of the City Gate, – – below Castille Square near Upper Barrakka Gardens. It is part of the fortifications, the construction of which began in 1566, designed by Francesco Laparelli. It is home to the headquarters of the Central Bank of Malta. Auberge de Castille is one of the most beautiful buildings on Castille Square, – – which was built in 1570 as the home of the Knights of Saint John. The current building, constructed in Baroque style,- – dates back to 1740 and now serves as the office of the Prime Minister of Malta. The Church of Our Lady of Victory is located next to Castille Square. It was built to commemorate the victory of the Knights to celebrate the vanquishing of the Ottoman invaders in 1565. Right next to the church is a monument to Sir Paul Boffa, who was the Prime Minister of Malta from 1947 to 1950. St Catherine Church, originally built in 1576, is located opposite the Church of Our Lady of Victories. The current facade and porch date to 1713, when the church had been rebuilt. The monument to Jean de Valette was located next to St Catherine’s Church. The statue stands in a place which is just a few meters away from the city’s foundation stone,- – which he laid with his own hands in 1566. Merchants Street is situated directly adjacent to St Catherine’s Church and extends to Fort St Elmo- – and the National War Museum. The street is lined with numerous imposing houses, palaces, and churches, – – offering a blend of rich history, unique architecture, and a lively atmosphere. The street runs parallel to Republic Street, featuring a variety of shops, both old and new, as well as a market. Malta’s National Community Art Museum is situated on Merchants Street – – and showcases artworks from the 15th century to the early 21st century. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, except on Tuesdays. City Gate is the fifth city gate that Valletta has had in the last 450 years. It was built between 2011 and 2014 and is very different from the previous ones, as it is not in the traditional Victorian style. Triton’s Fountain is located in front of the City Gate and next to the bus station. The impressive fountain catches the eye with its three bronze sculptures of Tritons – gods of the sea. It serves as an excellent meeting point, offering plenty of seating to enjoy the view and take a rest. Lower Barrakka Gardens, dating back to the 17th century, – – are a short stroll from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and have fantastic views over Grand Harbour. The gardens feature picturesque pathways adorned with flowers, statues, and fountains, – – offering sweeping views of Fort Ricasoli, Fort St. Angelo, and the Sleeping Soldier World War II Memorial. The Victoria Gate dates back to 1884, making it the oldest gate in Valletta. The gate features picturesque archways, an ornate Maltese coat of arms, and blends perfectly with the surrounding architecture. Passing through the gate downhill leads to the Grand Harbour and Valletta Waterfront. Valletta’s waterfront is comprised of a row of colourful warehouses situated in the Grand Harbour, – – built in 1752 by Grand Master Pinto. It is a place where the Knights of St. John and other merchants used to unload their wares. Today, these spaces have been transformed into restaurants, shops, and bars, – – all of which feature outdoor seating with views of the water. This promenade is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy a drink while watching the cruise ships dock. Just across the water from the Grand Harbour in Valletta are the beautiful Three Cities, which you will see in our upcoming video. Thank you very much for watching and see you again soon.

Valletta is a magically beautiful city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the northeast coast of the island of Malta. It was founded in 1566 by the Grandmaster of the Knights of the Order of St. John as a fortified city. Valletta is the southernmost capital of Europe, with one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
Considering the city is very small, with an area of approximately 1 kilometre by 600 metres, the best way to visit all the landmarks is definitely on foot.
Strolling through the city, you will admire the baroque architecture, historical buildings, picturesque streets and buildings with the distinctive traditional Maltese balconies.
You will enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea from the fortified city walls. Also, you will see some of the finest artworks, churches and palaces.
One day will be enough for you to visit the most important sights and enjoy the magical atmosphere that the city exudes.

Here is our list of the top 25 things to do and see in Valletta:

1. Republic Street
2. The National Museum of Archaeology
3. St. John’s Co-Cathedral & Museum
4. St. George’s Square
5. Grand Master’s Palace
6. Caffè Cordina
7. National Library of Malta
8. Independence Square
9. Pjazza Teatru Rjal
10. Palazzo Ferreria
11. Upper Barrakka Gardens
12. The Saluting Battery
13. Castille Square
14. Bastion of Saint James
15. Auberge de Castille
16. Church of Our Lady of Victories
17. Church of Saint Catherine of Italy
18. Monument to Jean de Valette
19. Merchants Street
20. MUŻA – The Malta National Community Art Museum
21. City Gate
22. Tritons’ Fountain (Triton Fountain)
23. Lower Barrakka Gardens
24. Victoria Gate
25. Valletta Waterfront

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