Top 10 Facts about Valletta, Malta’s Capital

Grand Harbour – By Henry M. Trotter at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2253632

Valletta is one of the most widely visited spots on the tiny island of Malta, due to its incredible natural beauty, proximity to the coastline, and status as the capital of the country. This city on the main island is nestled between two huge harbors, Marsamxett and Grand, and contains a population of just over 6,000 people.

With a metropolitan region that covers the entire island, it is no wonder that Valletta has made such a name for itself as a European capital. Even though it is the southernmost and smallest capital city in Europe, it is of huge importance for the country of Malta, and the European Union, as a whole. 

But do you really know anything about the capital city? Before you head to Malta for a beach vacation or to learn more about the culture of this tiny island country, check out some of these lesser-known facts. 

1. The Knights Hospitaller built the infrastructure

Turkey Bodrum – By Georges Jansoone JoJan – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2920181

The buildings that you see dotting the streets and the incredible historical buildings were constructed by the Knights Hospitaller, a religious group and Order of St. John of Jerusalem that ruled the islands for over 200 years between the mid-16th century and the very end of the 18th century. 

2. The city has Baroque architecture

Baroque architecture – By Steve Cadman from London, U.K. – West Entrance, St Paul’s Cathedral, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4418174

Baroque architecture is known for its 17th century style that has made Italy and France so famous today! After being originally built by the Catholic church in the early 17th century, this type of architecture spread mainly through southern Europe as a protest to the Reformation.

3. WWII severely damaged Valletta

Ambulance presentation WWII – By Damien Parer – This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing for more information., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35694553

Just like everywhere else in Europe after World War II, the infrastructure, culture economy, and people were ravaged by the war and the violence. The Royal Opera House was destroyed during the war, including many other Baroque buildings and Classical structures. 

4. This capital has hundreds of monuments

Monument to Lord Hastings, Hastings Gardens Malta – By Frank Vincentz – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32559076

Valletta is known for having hundreds of monuments in such a tiny and small surface area, giving it the nickname of the Open Air Museum due to its concentration of important artifacts in a tiny space. 

5. Head here to get a tan!

Gnejna Bay Malta – By Frank Vincentz – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33383199

VAlletta is the sunniest city in the entirety of Europe! If you are feeling a bit blue after a long winter season, head to Valletta to get sunshine all year round. 

6. UNESCO World Heritage Status

Malta Gozo Victoria – By Berthold Werner – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17694621

There are landmarks and areas of natural beauty preserved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization throughout the world. These UNESCO sites are of great importance to the world in terms of culture, natural beauty, and environmental reasons. Valletta is officially recognized as a world heritage site. 

7. Francesco Laparelli designed the city

A map of La Valetta – By D. Specle. Cleaned by Chabacano – Image:Valetta1589.jpg Cleaned, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2170681

Laparelli was an Italian architect and assistant of Michelangelo that was the main designer of Valletta, Malta. His unique point of view and artistic vision saw the city of Valletta have a very different look than the typical Maltese architecture. He focused on having the streets in a rectangular pattern for ease of use, wide and straight pathways, and large bastions on Fort Saint Elmo that overlooked the water. 

8. Building Projects Stopped During the French Reign

Situation de l’isle de Malta – By Anonymous – http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/540419, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61716466

The French took over the island, and Valletta, at the very end of the 18th century. During this period, building and improvements stopped in the capital city. However, the Maltese troops fought back against the French until the British took heed and helped with the fight. The British took over rule in 1798 and helped begin rebuilding, demolishing, and modernizing the city.

9. Valletta has its own government system

Building of the Ministry of Tourism – By Continentaleurope at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49887543

Just like any other city, and capital, in Europe, Valletta has its own local government that controls the entire town and its decisions. The first election took place at the end of 1993 and continues every 3 years. 

10. Government buildings are in Valletta

Maison Chateauneuf – By Continentaleurope – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61183778

The President’s house, the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta, and the Grandmaster’s Palace are all held in Valletta.