VALLETTA· MALTA

Valletta, the capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a city of extraordinary beauty and history. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, it rises majestically on a peninsula between two natural harbors, offering a skyline of golden limestone, domes, and fortifications that reflect centuries of strategic importance in the Mediterranean.
Despite being one of Europe’s smallest capitals, Valletta is rich in cultural treasures. The imposing St. John’s Co-Cathedral, with its Baroque interiors and Caravaggio masterpieces, stands as a symbol of the city’s artistic grandeur. The Grand Master’s Palace, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the network of bastions and fortresses testify to Valletta’s role as a stronghold of history and power.
Valletta is also a vibrant cultural hub. Designated as European Capital of Culture in 2018, it hosts an array of theaters, music festivals, and art exhibitions. The Manoel Theatre, one of the oldest working theaters in Europe, and the modern Valletta Waterfront highlight the city’s mix of tradition and innovation.
The city’s streets, laid out in a grid pattern, are filled with charming cafés, boutique shops, and traditional Maltese balconies, creating an atmosphere that is both historic and lively. With its compact size, Valletta is best explored on foot, allowing visitors to discover hidden churches, quiet squares, and breathtaking views over the harbors.
Maltese cuisine adds another layer to the experience, blending Mediterranean influences with local traditions. Fresh seafood, rabbit stew, and pastizzi pastries, accompanied by local wines, reflect the island’s unique culinary heritage.
Surrounded by sea and blessed with sunshine almost year-round, Valletta is not just a city of the past — it is a living, breathing capital that celebrates both its glorious heritage and its dynamic present. Cosmopolitan yet deeply rooted in tradition, it offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean lifestyle.