Valletta

Where is Valletta?

Valletta sits on a narrow peninsula on the north-eastern coast of the main island of Malta, built along the ridge of Mount Sceberras between two natural harbours: the Grand Harbour to the south-east and Marsamxett Harbour to the north-west. Administratively it belongs to the Southern Harbour District. It is bordered by Floriana on the landward side, faces the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua) across the Grand Harbour, and faces Sliema and Gżira across Marsamxett.

History of Valletta

Valletta was founded in 1566 by the Order of the Knights of St John, who named it after Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette, the defender of Malta during the Great Siege of 1565. The city was designed as a planned fortress city by the military engineer Francesco Laparelli and completed under the Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar. UNESCO describes Valletta as one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, with 320 monuments within an area of 55 hectares. The city later served under British rule as a naval and administrative centre and was heavily bombed during the Second World War.

What to see in Valletta

St John's Co-Cathedral — a 16th-century church built by the Order of St John; its Oratory holds Caravaggio's The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (1608). Grandmaster's Palace — former seat of the Grand Masters and later the Governor; today linked to the Office of the President and the Palace State Rooms and Armoury. Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery — terraced gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour, with a daily ceremonial cannon firing. Fort St Elmo & National War Museum — the fort that withstood the Great Siege, now housing the National War Museum. Manoel Theatre — built in 1731, one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. National Museum of Archaeology — collections including prehistoric artefacts from Malta's temple sites.

Transport in Valletta

Valletta is the hub of Malta's bus network: the main bus terminus is located just outside City Gate, with routes radiating across the island, operated by Malta Public Transport. The Valletta Ferry connects the city across the harbours to Sliema and to the Three Cities, often faster than road transport. The Barrakka Lift links the Grand Harbour waterfront (near the cruise terminal) to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The historic core is largely pedestrianised, with vehicle access restricted and park-and-ride available outside the city.

Living in Valletta

Valletta is a small, historic capital with limited urban space. It offers walkable access to institutions, restaurants, cultural venues and the harbours, and quiet evenings outside event days. Assessments of cost of living should be based on current rental, property and services data rather than general impressions. Housing stock is dominated by historic townhouses and apartments with limited parking.

Official name

Il-Belt Valletta / Valletta

Status

Capital city of Malta

Island

Malta

District

Southern Harbour District

UNESCO

Yes — City of Valletta, inscribed 1980

Founded

1566

Transport

Bus terminus, Valletta Ferry, Barrakka Lift