The Maltese islands have a
long, rich history and Christian legacy due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea.
Valletta is
the capital of Malta. The city is UNESCO Heritage Site. The architecture here is
mainly in Baroque style, but the most impressive buildings were built by the
Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as Knights Hospitaller.
Valletta is the cultural
center of the island, a city full of palaces, churches and museums.
Located on the top of a hill, Valletta
impresses with the huge fortification and the main city gate. Pjazza Teatru Rjal is
very close to the main gate.
The theater has been hit and destroyed by a bomb during the WW2. Now the theater is reconstructed and located close to the Parliament
building.
Parliament House.
Strolling
along the main straight Republic Street with its shops, restaurants and private
houses, we admire a great mixture of history and architecture.
Not to
be missed is the old magnificent building of the National library of Malta.
Following
the maze of narrow streets we reach the Co-Cathedral St. John, definitely one
of the best attractions in Valletta. Built by the knights, the history of Malta
and Valletta is represented in this remarkable place. Outside the cathedral is
very humble but the interior is exuberant, mind-blowing and gorgeous. Here we
admire the splendor and magnificence of the heavily gilded decorations,
including Caravaggio`s masterpieces. The marble floor is colorful, housing
over 400 tombs of noble knights.
I am
usually a fan of religious buildings and this cathedral is for me a jewel in
Europe, one of the best in the world. It offers a fascinating medieval tour
and impresses with its art treasures. Visiting this place is really a special
experience which I will never forget.
View of
the cathedral from St. John Square.
Hidden in a side street the
Cathedral of St. Paul is another spectacular place to visit and admire. The
peaceful and serene atmosphere is just overwhelming, the silver and gold
decorations and ceiling paintings bring exquisite to this unforgettable place.
Particularly impressive are the St. Paul`s relics, including part of the
column on which he was beheaded in Rome.
Right close to it is the
Manoel Theater, one of the oldest theaters in Europe.
Located between the city gate
and St. Elmo Fort, St. George Square is a very famous meeting point, surrounded
by beautiful old buildings and water fountains.
Here is also the spectacular Grandmaster`s
palace which impresses with its lovely interior. Part of the building is open
for public but the rest is used for governmental functions and as the sit of
the president.
Our lady of Victories Church
was built by the Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette, after the Great Siege of
Malta in 1565.
The victorious Grand Master established the new fortified city
and gave his name, La Valletta. This is the first church built in Valletta and
the Grand Master is buried in the crypt below. This building has a great
historical and religious importance.
Right close to it is Auberge
de Castille. This historical palace is now a home of the Maltese Prime
minister.
A visit of the Upper Barrakka
gardens is a must in Valletta. The gardens are not big but the views from here
towards the three cities: Cospicua, Vittoriosa, Senglea and the Grand Harbor
are just spectacular.
Not to be missed are the
salutes from the gun battery.
Absolutely stunning views.
Situated high on the
fortification and overlooking the Grand Harbor, Lower Barrakka Gardens are as
impressive as the Upper gardens. It is so nice to spend time here, to sit on the
benches and enjoy the Fort Ricasoli, the Three Cities and the Siege War
Memorial.
A memorable landmark of the
park is the temple.
Marvelous
view of the Siege Bell which rings daily at noon.
Stunning
views over the Grand Harbor.
The
large bastion Fort Saint Angelo, a magnificent fortification with strategic
location.
A typical street of Valletta
with the unique green wooden balconies.
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