City of Valletta

Map

A Historical Gem: The City of Valletta, Malta

The City of Valletta, located on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, this city has a unique concentration of architectural and artistic treasures that reflect its tumultuous past.

Valletta's origins can be traced back to the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Founded in the 11th century following the First Crusade, the order originally began as a hospital organization in Jerusalem. Over time, it evolved into a military order. The order took control of Malta in 1530, when the island was granted to them by Charles V of Spain as a fief following the Knights' expulsion from Rhodes.

In response to the Ottoman threat, Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette initiated the construction of a new fortified city in 1566. The task was entrusted to the architect Francesco Laparelli, who designed the city plan based on a grid pattern, with broad streets and numerous squares. The city was named after de la Valette, who successfully defended Malta against the Ottomans in the Great Siege of 1565.

One of the most notable landmarks within Valletta is St. John's Co-Cathedral, completed in 1578. Commissioned by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière, the cathedral serves as the Conventual Church of Saint John. Its intricate Baroque architecture, adorned with gold leaf and marble, houses some of the finest works of art from the period, including Caravaggio's masterpiece, 'The Beheading of St. John the Baptist'.

Another significant site within Valletta is the Grandmaster's Palace, which served as the official residence of the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John. Today, it is the most visited site in Valletta and houses the Office of the President of Malta. From 1921 to 2015, the Palace was also the seat of the Parliament of Malta. The palace boasts an impressive collection of art, including works by Mattia Preti and Antoine de Favray.

Valletta's defensive structures, such as the city walls, bastions, and forts, played a crucial role in the city's history. These fortifications were designed to protect the city from external threats, particularly from the Ottomans. Notable among these are the Barrakka Gardens, offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, and Fort St Elmo, which was the site of intense fighting during the Great Siege of 1565.

In addition to its historical significance, Valletta is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Malta Arts Festival, the Valletta Film Festival, and the International Fireworks Festival. Influenced by its diverse history, the city's rich culinary traditions, offer visitors a unique gastronomic experience.

In conclusion, the City of Valletta stands as a remarkable example of a historically significant urban center. Its well-preserved architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant contemporary life make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, or simply exploring the beauty of the Mediterranean.

UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

The capital of Malta is inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order of St John of Jerusalem. It was ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John. Valletta’s 320 monuments, all within an area of 55 ha, make it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site

Criterion (i): The city is pre-eminently an ideal creation of the late Renaissance with its uniform urban plan, inspired by neo-platonic principles, its fortified and bastioned walls modelled around the natural site and the voluntary implantation of great monuments in well-chosen locations.

Criterion (vi): The city is irrevocably affiliated with the history of the military and charitable Order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, which founded the city in 1566 and maintained it throughout two and a half centuries. Valletta is thus associated with the history of one of the greatest military and moral forces of modern Europe.

Encyclopedia Record: Saint John's Co-Cathedral

St John's Co-Cathedral is a Catholic co-cathedral in Valletta, Malta, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It was built by the Order of St. John between 1573 and 1578, having been commissioned by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière as the Conventual Church of Saint John.

Read more on Wikipedia