The UNESCO-listed capital of Malta stands proudly on one of Europe's grandest harbors, surrounded by some of the mightiest fortifications in the world.
Explore this fascinating city with our list of the top tourist attractions in Valletta.
1. Saint John's Co-Cathedral
Saint John's Co-Cathedral reflects the wealth and importance of the Knights of Malta, who protected Europe and the Catholic faith from attacks by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. The most renowned artwork in the church is The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio in the Oratory.
The various chapels of Saint John's Co-Cathedral reflect the different "langues" (regions) of the Knights of Malta who hailed from many different countries in Europe. Among the eight chapels are a few must-see highlights: The Chapel of the Langue of Aragon (the region of Catalonia and Navarre in Spain) features Mattia Preti's painting of Saint George on a white stallion after slaying a dragon. The Chapel of the Langue of Italy displays the famous work of Saint-Jerome Writing by Caravaggio.
The Grand Master's Palace has many quaint shops, cafés, and restaurants. A great place to stop is the famous establishment Caffe Cordina (244 Republic Street), a fancy café that serves traditional Maltese pastries along with coffee and tea.
Address: Saint John's Street, Valletta
2. Grand Master's Palace
Valletta's most monumental building, the Grand Master's Palace stands in the center of Palace Square, which is often used for traditional ceremonies. Grand Master Fra Pietro del Monte commissioned the palace in the 16th century as a residence for the Knights of Malta. Part of the building is now used as the Presidential Palace, serving as the office for the President of Malta. The rest of the building is open to the public as a museum.
The enormous State Rooms are richly decorated with gilded moldings and works of art, such as a series of murals that illustrates a complete narration of the Great Siege of 1565. The Hall of the Ambassadors, also known as the "Red Room," is adorned with portraits of the Grand Masters, who led the knights to victory. One of the paintings depicts the dignified-looking Grand Master Jean de Vallette, founder of the city of Valletta.
3. Grand Harbor
The entire harbor is surrounded by massive fortifications, bastions, and defensive towers. This formidable setting was the scene of the Great Siege of 1565, the most famous event in Malta's history. Led by Grand Master Jean de Valette, the knights heroically defeated the ruthless Ottoman Turk invaders.
The harbor branches off into smaller creeks (shaped like a multi-pronged fork). In these quiet ports, there are many yacht marinas and boat docks. These ports around the Valletta Grand Harbor provide enough docks for thousands of boats, making it one of the largest marinas in the world.
The entire Grand Harbor area encompasses a semicircle of densely populated little towns, including Kalkara, Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Senglea, Paola, and Marsa. Just across from Valletta, the towns of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, known as the "Three Cities" were the original settlement of the Knights. These towns are filled with historical monuments, such as auberges of the knights, beautiful Baroque churches, and important military forts. The best way for tourists to discover the Grand Harbor is by taking a guided boat tour.
4. National Museum of Archaeology
The National Museum of Archeology is housed in the former Auberge de Provence, the historic residence of the knights originating from the Provence region in France. The building dates to 1571 and is a wonderful example of Baroque architecture. The Grand Salon is especially noteworthy, with its richly painted walls and wood-beamed ceiling. The museum's exceptional archaeology collection tells the story of Malta through a chronological presentation. Exhibits include prehistoric artifacts and architectural elements found at megalithic sites, as well as ancient Roman objects and medieval antiquities.
The museum is renowned for its Prehistoric collection, an extensive array of artifacts from the Maltese Islands' megalithic temples. These Neolithic-era archaeological finds include 6,000- to 7,000-year-old pottery, ornaments, altars, limestone statuettes, terra cotta bowls, and cult utensils. One room contains models of the five best-preserved temples. The headless "Fat" statues of the Tarxien Temples are displayed here.
A small room houses the The Sleeping Lady, considered a masterpiece of prehistoric art. This tiny figurine of a woman lying on a couch reveals the expression and emotion of centuries ago.
Address: Auberge de Provence, Republic Street, Valletta
5. Upper Barrakka Gardens and Military Ceremonies
The picturesque Upper Barrakka Gardens encircle part of the city's old fortifications, built on Valletta's highest point. The peaceful and shady gardens are beautifully laid out with fountains, flower beds, rows of archways, and statues of prominent historical figures including Winston Churchill. There are multiple viewpoints from different outlooks around the garden, offering awe-inspiring panoramas of the Grand Harbor. It's possible to see across to the towns of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Kalkara.
This space is now used for outdoor weddings and ceremonial events. Every day, a traditional ceremony at noon is performed by members of the Malta Heritage Society dressed in authentic British Artillery uniforms. A tribute to Valletta's military history, this ceremony includes firing the cannons as a salute.
Tips for Tourists: The Upper Barrakka Gardens is in the heart of the city next to Castille Place. To arrive here, go to the Victoria Gate and turn left past the Church of Saint Mary of Jesus onto Saint Ursula Street. The entrance to the Upper Barrakka Gardens is at the end of the street. There is also an elevator at the foot of Saint Barbara Bastion that goes up 60 meters to the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Address: Saint Ursula Street, Valletta
6. Casa Rocca Piccola: An Aristocratic Maltese Home
The current owners are the 9th Marquis and Marchioness de Piro.
Visitors can take a guided tour to see the palace's elegant interior, including two dining rooms, a bedroom, the salons, and the small family chapel.
The rooms are decorated with antique 16th-century furniture, Murano glass chandeliers imported from Venice, and crystal chandeliers from Bohemia. In the Sala Grande, there is a distinctive portable chapel, a cabinet crafted from black lacquer with an altar inside that was designed for personal devotion.
Within the property is a family-run restaurant, La Giara, which prepares authentic Sicilian cuisine from the palace's old kitchens.
Address: 74 Republic Street, Valletta
7. Manoel Theater: One of the Oldest Theaters in Europe
This magnificent little theater was commissioned in 1731 by António Manoel de Vilhena, Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, to meet the local demand for operas, pageants, and theatrical performances. With this distinguished heritage, the Manoel Theater ranks among the oldest theaters in Europe. The lavishly decorated auditorium features gilded box seats and plush velvet chairs. Every seat in the house offers a good view, and the acoustics of the oval room are excellent.
Visitors may take a self-guided tour with an audio guide. There is also an interesting calendar of theatrical events including music concerts and classic opera. In January, the Manoel Theater hosts a two-week Baroque Festival featuring the music of Vivaldi and Bach.
Address: 115 Old Theater Street, Valletta
8. Collegiate Parish Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck
An important landmark in Valletta, the domed Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck is one of the oldest churches in Malta (dating back to the 1570s.) As befits a church dedicated to Malta's patron saint, the interior is sumptuous and houses venerated relics. Pope Pius VII donated the most precious relic, the block upon which Saint Paul was said to have been beheaded, as well as what is believed to be part of his wrist bone.
Visitors should take time to admire the church's ceiling frescoes, which depict Saint Paul's brief sojourn in Malta and were painted at the turn of the century. The main altarpiece displays a painting of Saint Paul and Saint Luke in a scene of the shipwreck. The church's marvelous gilded wooden statue of Saint Paul is paraded through the streets of Valletta on February 10th every year. This date commemorates the day Saint Paul's shipwreck occurred and is celebrated with much festivity.
Address: 74 Saint Paul Street, Valletta
9. National Museum of Fine Arts
The monumental staircase at the entrance makes a grand impression, worthy of Valletta's finest art collection. The museum's collection represents important works of Maltese art from the 12th century to the 20th century, as well as noteworthy pieces by other European artists.
There's an great grouping of works by the popular artist of Malta, Mattia Preti, who was from Calabria in Southern Italy. His most renowned work on display here is the Baptism of Christ painting. The museum also displays a few masterpieces by Italian artist Guido Reni and the exceptional Judith and Holofernes painting by Valentin de Boulogne. Another exquisite painting that stands out in the collection is the early Impressionist View of the Grand Harbor by J.M.W. Turner.
Address: South Street, Valletta
10. Valletta Waterfront
Overlooked by many tourists, the Valletta Waterfront is a popular spot among locals. The row of buildings was commissioned in the 18th century by Grand Master Pinto for the purpose of storing goods such as grain, vegetables, and fish.
The warehouse buildings have been beautifully restored, and the pathway has been enlarged. Fringed with shady trees and leafy palms, the spacious waterside promenade is lined with trendy restaurants. This is one of the best places to visit in Valletta for an atmospheric meal by the harbor.
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