Malta

Valletta, the fortified capital of Malta, perches on a slender peninsula between Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour. Established in 1566 by the Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of 1565, this compact city is today a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its harmonious Baroque architecture, imposing bastions, and grid-like street plan. As you wander its limestone streets—lined with ochre-hued palazzos, churches, and auberges—you’ll feel the weight of over four centuries of history shaped by military engineering, philanthropy, and artistic patronage. Beyond its storied ramparts, Valletta pulses with contemporary life. St. John’s Co-Cathedral dazzles with Caravaggio’s masterpieces and ornate marble inlays, while the Grandmaster’s Palace and the National Museum of Archaeology showcase Malta’s artistic and political legacy. Perched high above the waterfront, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer sweeping views of the bustling harbors below, where traditional luzzu boats and modern yachts alike bob against the azure sea. Evenings find Valletta’s piazzas and cafés alive with locals and visitors enjoying street performances, al fresco dining, and the warm Mediterranean breeze. Today, Valletta seamlessly blends heritage and modernity: chic galleries and design shops occupy centuries-old buildings, while intimate wine bars and rooftop eateries serve up Maltese specialties beneath starry skies. Compact enough to explore on foot, yet rich in layers of culture and spectacle, Valletta offers a uniquely immersive experience—a living museum where every corner tells a story, and every sunset over the bastions feels like its own grand finale.