Valletta

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Overview

Valletta is Malta's lilliputian capital, built by the Knights of St John on a peninsula that's only 1km by 600m. Its founder decreed that it should be 'a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen', and it retains its 16th-century elegance. It may be small, but it's packed full of sights; when Unesco named Valletta a World Heritage site, it described it as 'one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world'.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The Grand Master's Palace.

    Grand Master's Palace

    Valletta

    The stern exterior of the 16th-century Grand Master's Palace conceals a sumptuous interior. This was once the residence of the Grand Masters of the…

  • St John's Co-Cathedral, Valetta, Malta

    St John's Co-Cathedral

    Valletta

    St John's Co-Cathedral, Malta's most impressive church, was designed by the architect Gerolamo Cassar. It was built between 1573 and 1578, taking over…

  • Aerial view of Valletta and St. Elmo Fort, Manoel Island, and Dragutt Point on the right, Malta, Mediterranean, Europe

    Fort St Elmo & National War Museum

    Valletta

    Guarding Marsamxett and Grand Harbours is Fort St Elmo, named after the patron saint of mariners. The fort was built by the Knights in 1552 in just four…

  • Sleeping lady statue, Museum of Archaeology, Valletta, Malta.

    National Museum of Archaeology

    Valletta

    The National Museum of Archaeology is housed in the impressive Auberge de Provence. Exhibits include delicate stone tools dating from 5200 BC, Phoenician…

  • Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta, Malta

    Upper Barrakka Gardens

    Valletta

    These colonnaded gardens perched high above Grand Harbour were created in the late 16th century as a relaxing haven for the Knights from the nearby…

  • Modern stone and glass Parliament building near Valletta City Gate at entrance to Valletta, Malta. Designed by architect Renzo Piano of Renzo Piano Building Workshop and completed in 2014.

    Parliament Building

    Valletta

    Renzo Piano's breathtaking Parliament Building was completed in 2014. Its design includes two massive volumes of stone that look suspended in air, but are…

  • Valletta, Malta - January 9, 2020: Shot from cannon at noon in Saluting Battery at Upper Barrakka Gardens, with Birgu on the background, Valletta, Malta.

    Saluting Battery

    Valletta

    The Saluting Battery is where a cannon once fired salutes to visiting naval vessels. The battery has been restored, and a cannon is fired Monday through...

  • Lascaris War Rooms

    Lascaris War Rooms

    Valletta

    A mechanically ventilated underground tunnel complex that lies 40m beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens, this housed Britain's top-secret command in Malta…

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Planning Tools

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Best Things to Do

Immerse yourself in Malta’s fascinating history, culture and cuisine with 18 of the best things to do in Valletta.

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Articles

Latest stories from Valletta

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Activities

The 18 best things to do in Valletta

Feb 6, 2025 • 13 min read

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