We were finally able to complete a walking tour of Valletta. Previously, it got too dark or started to rain.
Castellania was built between 1757-1760 by the Order of St. John as a courthouse and prison. It currently serves as Malta's Health Ministry.
Statue of St. Paul on the corner of a building. You'll notice statues on corners all over Valletta. When the Knights of St. John planned Valletta, they issued regulations that all corners had to be embellished by statues or niches.
The Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck traces its origin to 1570s but the exterior is from the 19th century. In AD60, St. Paul was shipwrecked on Malta and brought Christianity.
Is-Suq Tal-Belt--Valletta Food Market. Inside, you'll find a supermarket and numerous food stalls.
Republic Square
"7 June 1919"--this monument, which sits in Republic Square, commemorates the Maltese Revolution in 1919 when a large crowd from all social classes gathered to protest against British rule. Soldiers shot on the unarmed crowd, killing several. This led to major changes, including Malta being granted self governance in 1921.
Grandmaster's Palace-- built between the 16th and 18th centuries as the palace of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, who ruled Malta. Today, it is the official residence of the President of Malta. Parts of the palace are open to the public.
Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. It has an impressive dome, which you can't see from the street.
Interior of the basilica.
The Teatru Manoel is Malta's National Theater. It was built in 1731 and is one of the oldest theaters in Europe.
Stroll down Strait Street. Look for old faded signs, dating from its years as the city's red light district.
The Palazzo Messina was built in the 16th century. It was part of a larger palace. Today, the Palace is the centre for German - Maltese cultural and educational activities.
The Palazzo Marina was the other part of the palace. Today, it is the office of the Bianchi Group, a privately held family business which has been active in international trade, commerce and business for well over 100 years.
On St. Christopher Street, you'll find a statue of St. James. He's recognizable by the scallop shell and the gourd.
Walking towards Fort St. Elmo, you'll see a plaque outlining The Movie Trail. You can see where various movies, including Gladiator, Troy and The Count of Monte Cristo have been filmed.
Fort St. Elmo was built by the Knights in 1552. It now contains the National War Museum.
The Sacra Infermeria is the hospital built in the 16th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John. It was one of the leading hospitals in Europe until the 18th century and was in use until 1920. Today, it is a conference center.
Continue until you reach the Lower Barrakka Gardens. It contains a Doric temple commemorating Sir Alexander Ball, the British naval captain who successfully captured Malta from the French in 1800.
Across the street is a World War II Siege memorial.
Nearby is a bronze catafalque, symbolising the burial of the corpse of the unknown soldier at sea.
Victoria Gate is the main gate from the Grand Harbour to the city of Valletta. it was built by the British in 1885.
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