Valletta, Malta
Description
View cruises with Valletta, MaltaMalta is the largest in a group of seven islands that occupy a strategic position between Europe and Africa. The island's history is long and turbulent. Everyone from the Normans to the Nazis have vied for control of this small, honey-colored rock. For centuries the island was the possession of the knightly Order of St. John - the Knights Hospitaller. Valletta, Malta's current capital, was planned by the Order's Grandmaster Jean de la Valette to secure the island's eastern coast from Turk incursions. Founded in 1566, Valletta's bustling streets are lined with superb Baroque buildings and churches.
Malta has a long history: the megalithic stone temples at Gozo may be the oldest freestanding structures on Earth. Malta has two official languages, Maltese (constitutionally the national language) and English. Malta was admitted to the European Union in 2004 and in 2008 became part of the eurozone.
Points of Interest
- Valletta
- Grand Master's Palace
- St. John's Cathedral
- Mdina
- Vittoriosa
- Rabat
- Ħaġar Qim
- Marsaxlokk Village
More about Valletta, Malta Points of Interest
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Valletta -
Malta's capital and a World Heritage site is an eclectic blend of Baroque architecture, the majestic St. John's Co-Cathedral, quaint cafes and wine bars.
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Grand Master's Palace -
The former residence of the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John is today home to the Parliament of Malta.
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St. John's Cathedral -
The austere façade of St. John's Cathedral stands in marked contrast to its interior which boasts a stunning vaulted ceiling adorned with frescoes. St. John's Cathedral houses the famous painting by Caravaggio 'The beheading of St.John'.
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Mdina -
Perched atop a plateau, this impressive medieval city was Malta's capital before Valletta was built.
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Vittoriosa -
The small town of Vittoriosa is considered one of the most beautiful and perfectly preserved of the Three Cities that protect Grand Harbour.
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Rabat -
Rabat is a village just outside Mdina. It is home to the famous Catacombs of St. Paul and of St. Agatha.
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Ħaġar Qim -
Ħaġar Qim is a megalithic temple complex found on the Mediterranean island of Malta, dating from the Ġgantija phase (3600-3200 BC). The Megalithic Temples of Malta are among the most ancient religious sites on Earth, described by the World Heritage Sites committee as "unique architectural masterpieces." In 1992 UNESCO recognized Ħaġar Qim and four other Maltese megalithic structures as World Heritage Sites.
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Marsaxlokk Village -
The charming atmosphere of Malta's main fishing village can be attributed to the strong traditions maintained by the close knit community. The harbor's calm blue waters are filled with bobbing, colorful luzzu boats.
