Does Valletta really sleep?

Valletta is amazing, not only because it is the capital city of Malta, but because it is a living city and is keeping its relevance even after 500 years of existence.

Compared to Malta’s 7000 years of history, Valletta is quite a modern city. Built by the Knights of St. John, to celebrate La Vallette’s victory over Suleiman and him Ottoman soldiers, Valletta established itself as a modern and vibrant 16th Century city, hosting Knights from all over Europe and linking the two main continents, a role it still plays today.

A visit to Valletta will open the doors to over 250 monuments that adorn the streets, all leading to another in a chequered format, as chequered as its past!

Walking through City gate, make sure to walk down Republic Street and stop and Marvel at the Grandmasters Palace in St. George’s Square.

But before seeing any more, go to the Embassy Complex in St Lucy’s Street, just before the Palace, and view Valletta Living History, a 35 minute audio-visual show, that will give you the basics about the city and Malta’s history. http://www.maltaattraction.com.

A visit to St. Johns Co-Cathedral is a must. The entrance is right in front of the Law Courts. Make sure you also visit St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church (free entrance) in St. Paul Street, accessible from Merchants Street, where you can enjoy window shopping and the week day market. Valletta has over 30 churches and most are open during the day.

The afternoon stands still between 13h00 and 16h00, so that is time to stop for a snack in Pjazza Regina, Cordina Coffee Shop a favourite with locals and visitors. You can also spend your siesta time in the Upper or Lower Barrakka Gardens and enjoy the views of the Grand Harbour and the 3 Cities.

Make sure to visit The Archaeology Museum and there is also an interesting Fine Arts Museum in South Street. Casa Rocca Piccola is also a fine example of 16th century nobility lifestyle.

Dinning in the city is also fun. Come the evening look out for the cosy rooms converted into fine restaurants, a favourite is ‘Il-Horza’ in St. Christopher’s Street. Entertainment is also available on weekends especially; check out who will be playing at the Premier in Pjazza Regina.

You can easily spend your day in the city and your evening overlooking the lights from on bastion or another. The day is bustling, but at night, if you look deep, you will find a city that hardly sleeps!