The Republic of Malta is only 246 sq. Km. It is located in the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The capital of Malta is Valletta.
A bit of history
The first attempt to found a city was made in 1565 by Jean Parisot de la Valette, Grand Master of the Hospitaller Order. But the initial plans were not given to be realized due to the attacks of the Ottomans who attacked the fort of St. Elmo, built in Malta a little earlier (in 1552) to protect the approaches to the island and the surrounding bays. In the month-long battle for the island, thousands of Christians and Muslims were killed. When the fortress finally surrendered, the losses of the Ottomans were so great that they no longer had enough resources to capture the island.
Valletta landmarks
The star-shaped fort is still perfectly preserved and is a must-see on the island. The highlight of the fortress is not only its rich history and architectural appearance, but also shows that take place every weekend: the drill of officers and soldiers. Historical costumes, imitation of shootings between the French and the Maltese in 1800 - a great opportunity to briefly travel back in time. In the National Museum, which is located next to the fortress, you can get acquainted with the period 1940-1943. During this time, Malta played an important role as a British naval base. Having resisted the fascist forces, the island helped to win the Allies victory on the African front. For the courage and bravery of the Maltese during the Second World War, the island was awarded the St. George's Cross.
As for the city of Valletta itself, plans for its construction have not remained in the past. Construction began in 1566. Pope Pius IV sent the famous architect Francesco Laparelli to the island to design the capital of Malta. During the construction of the city, numerous fortifications were provided, an impressive moat from the land side became additional protection.
The church, erected in honor of the Victorious Mother of God, became the first building in the Maltese capital. The founder of the city was buried in the same church in 1568. Later, the body of Jean de la Valette was reburied in the Cathedral of Saint John, who was the patron saint of the order.
St. John's Cathedral is another landmark of Valletta. The cathedral was designed by Girolamo Cassar, the order's architect. The exterior of the building is harsh, but its interiors are very richly decorated. The construction of the cathedral began in 1573 and ended in 1577, but the decoration work continued for almost a century. Inspection of the majestic cathedral is incredibly exciting. That only is the floor of the main nave, consisting of 400 tombstones made of marble. The knights-monks rest under them. Inlaid images of skeletons, skulls, bones are used as decorations for tombstones. To find out the name of the deceased, as well as his merits, you need to know the Latin language - it was he who was used for the inscriptions. The cathedral is also the burial place of 26 great masters. The ceiling of the cathedral is covered with images of scenes from which one can learn about the life of John the Baptist. Painted by Mattia Preti, a Calabrian artist.
The Grand Masters on the island lived in the Grand Master's Palace until 1798. Some time later, Napoleon lived in the same palace. The British governors could not deny themselves the pleasure of living in a beautiful building. In 1976, the palace became the seat of the President of Malta. You can climb to the palace using a spiral staircase made of marble. The meetings of the Supreme Council of the Hospitallers were held in the Consular Hall, which could be accessed through a corridor decorated with knightly armor. To admire the rich collection of weapons dating back to the 16th-17th centuries, you need to go to the Palace Arsenal, built on the site of the former palace stable.
Valletta Museums
The museums of the capital of Malta are no less fascinating. In the Archaeological Museum, you can get acquainted with the ancient history of Malta, presented by exhibits dating back to the 5th millennium BC. Among them are stone tombs and majestic temple sculptures. At the National Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a 16th century building, you can admire works of church art dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as exhibits of medieval art. Children will love the Toy Museum, located near another pearl of Valletta, the Manoel Theater, built in 1731.
Valletta is a kind of museum city, a visit to which will allow you to get acquainted with the history, architecture, sights belonging to different cultures and eras. Holidays in Malta and Valletta in particular will be an unforgettable experience.
