Explore the captivating history and cultural treasures of Valletta, Europe's smallest capital city. From the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral to the Grand Master's Palace and the fascinating Lascaris War Rooms, Valletta offers a unique glimpse into Malta's past.
Europe's smallest capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a population of under 6,000. While it may be small in size, Valletta is rich in impressive historical attractions. St. John's Co-Cathedral, built by the Knights of St. John in 1577, is a must-see. Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the cathedral houses a remarkable collection of art donated by the order over centuries. Today, it serves as both a place of worship and a successful museum and art gallery.
One of the highlights of the cathedral is the presence of a masterpiece by Caravaggio, the renowned Italian painter. Caravaggio arrived in Malta in 1607, seeking refuge after a fatal brawl in his homeland. While on the island, he painted a stunning work that now holds a prominent position within St. John's Co-Cathedral. A new EU-funded digital presentation provides an in-depth exploration of this painting and another precious Caravaggio, shedding light on their intricate details and captivating stories.Valletta also features the Grand Master's Palace, the first building constructed by the Knights of St. John in the new capital city. It once housed Malta's first constitutional parliament under British rule and is now the seat of the president of this tiny Commonwealth nation. Visitors can explore a vast majority of the palace, including its rooms, corridors, and courtyard. The palace is home to an extraordinary armory museum, considered one of the world's finest. The collection showcases the history and strength of the Order of St. John, who defended the Roman Catholic faith against the Ottoman Empire.Another unique feature of Valletta is its Maltese-style balconies. These architectural gems are believed to have originated in North Africa and were adopted by the Maltese in the 17th century as a way to adorn public and private buildings. Many balconies have multiple small hinged windows, with the number open depending on the season. Valletta played a crucial role in World War II, serving as a staging post for the Allied invasion of Sicily. An extensive network of tunnels known as the Lascaris War Rooms was built beneath the city to provide defense and accommodate Allied headquarters under General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Today, these well-preserved tunnels offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into Malta's wartime history.Valletta has a limited number of contemporary buildings, with the most recent addition being the Parliament House designed by Renzo Piano. Completed in 2015, the building was met with both praise and criticism. While some appreciate its modern design and integration with the historic cityscape, others argue that it detracts from Valletta's open spaces and represents a significant financial investment.
VALLETTA MALTA HISTORY CULTURE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE CARAVAGGIO GRAND MASTER's PALACE LASCARIS WAR ROOMS TRAVEL DESTINATION
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