Have you ever seen a city that looks like an open-air museum? We have! Valletta (in Maltese: Il-Belt), the capital city of Malta, is such a place. This is the second southernmost capital city in Europe! But let’s start with some historical facts. The city was donated by the Knights of St John in 16th Century and the name of it was taken from one of ITS three designers - Jean Parisot de la Valette. Valletta was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980 and was built in Baroque architectural style.

The panorama of Valletta

The best way to get to the city is to take a bus. It is good to know that public transport on Malta is well organized and buses are with AC. The bus station is in front of the city gates (step 1.).

Republic St

When you go through the city gates, your first impression won’t be a positive one – narrow, crowded streets with shops and fast food restaurants. But don't be deceived! Just few steps further on the right side there is a gorgeous St John’s Co-Cathedral built by the Knights of Malta (Step 2.). You must pay an entrance fee if you want to go inside but it’s worth it. The interior of the cathedral is one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture in Europe.

St John’s Co-Cathedral

Step 3 - Grandmaster’s Palace that is a houses the Office of the President of Malta. Amazing garden with tropical trees and palm, in the background u can admire examples of typical Maltese architecture.

Grandmaster’s Palace

Then you should go through the Palace Square and, at the end of Republic St, there is Fort Saint Elmo (step 4.) which is the entrance to Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbour.

The entrance to Fort Saint Elmo

In Valletta there are a lot of beautiful places to rest, like for example Lower Barrakka Gardens. It is a green park which offers a magnificent view of the Grand Harbour (Step 5.)