Valletta
Malta’s 16th century walled capital of Valletta, with its Grand Harbour, is a treasure-chest bristling with Baroque architecture. This most scenic of ancient ports echoes the epic, heroic history of the tiny island it nestles on. Centuries of invasion and siege have brought the influence of Romans, Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders and the British – all leaving an enduring mark on Valletta’s cultural heritage. Home to The Knights of Malta, an order created in the Middle Ages, the town is known for museums, palaces and grand churches.
Baroque landmarks include the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral; its opulent interior is crowned by Caravaggio’s masterpiece "The Beheading of Saint John".[ReadMoreMob] Other noteworthy attractions include the National Museum of Archaeology, the 16th century Casa Rocca Piccola Palace and the military artefacts in the National War Museum.
The cityscape is probably one of the most stunning in the Mediterranean – the city’s sun-drenched stone walls have an almost permanent warm, honey hue, while colourful, decorative balconies overlook the worn and tethered streets below. Fine restaurants and shops leap out from side streets or are tucked away in charming courtyards.
Valletta is also well-situated to discover the silent city of Mdina, a fortified city in the Northern Region of Malta and home to the Roman burial complex of St. Paul’s Catacombs.
Top Experiences
Mdina
Often referred to as the ‘Silent City’, due to its massive walls and hidden lanes, Mdina is the old capital of Malta. The mysterious city is inhabited by just 300 – a world apart from modern Malta – and is best explored on foot or via horse-drawn carriage.
St John’s Co-Cathedral & Knights of St John
Sir Walter Scott called the sumptuous Baroque interior, which includes a large Caravaggio painting of John the Baptist, the most striking he'd ever seen. Commissioned in 1572 as a church for the Knights of St John, this is one of Malta's greatest treasures.
War History
Malta was collectively awarded the George Cross for the country's bravery in the face of the devastating WWII blitz. Top war-related sites of interest include the National War Museum, the Lascaris War Rooms, and the remains of the Opera House.
Cruises to Valletta
Landmarks of Greece & the Adriatic • L2222
- Delve into the rich history and culture of Adriatic and Mediterranean cities
- Explore the ancient sites of Dubrovnik, Kotor, Athens and Olympia
- Sample the beauty and culture of Greece, Spain and Malta
Ancient walls of the Med with Malta • T2229
- Delve into history & culture of the Med
- Explore the fortified Castello district in Cagliari
- In Melilla visit the fortified Spanish exclave
Mediterranean Islands with Cyprus • T2302
- Discover the Acropolis of Lindos
- See Mount Etna when cruising the Messina Strait
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Visit Pasteis de Belém bakery to enjoy a pastel de nata tart
Greek Islands and Corinth Canal • M2311
- Sail the extremely narrow Corinth Canal
- Discover the archaeological site of Olympia
- Explore the Acropolis & Parthenon in Athens
Renaissance Italy, the Adriatic & Amalfi Coast • S2309
- Experience a journey through centuries of history in Italy and the Adriatic
- Delve into the influences of the Renaissance and Venetians
- Revel in the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, Bay of Kotor and more
The Intrepid Beauty of Africa & the Indian Ocean • T2330
- Experience an adventure of a lifetime on this epic circumnavigation of Africa
- Seek out incredible flora and fauna; visit iconic historic sites; journey off the beaten track; and much more
- Get a feel for authentic Indian life; enjoy time in Jeddah; and sail the Suez Canal too
World Cruise from Liverpool to Southampton • S240102
- Experience the thrill of an around the world voyage on Borealis
- Discover a mix of cultural, historical and natural wonders
- Find paradise at Pacific Islands and explore Sydney, Singapore and Mumbai.
World Cruise • S2402
- Experience the thrill of an around the world voyage on Borealis
- Discover a mix of cultural, historical and natural wonders
- Explore Sydney, Singapore and Mumbai, and evel in the beauty of New Zealand
Discovering the Ancient Empires of the Eastern Mediterranean • T2404
- Delve into the influences of ancient empires and kingdoms
- Explore some of the world’s great ancient sites
- Highlights include Athens’ Acropolis and Malta's Grand Harbour
Cuba Transatlantic to the Adriatic • M240506
- Experience Cuban traditions
- Sail the Atlantic and uncover Andalusian delights
- Delve into the history of a collection of ancient Balkan cities
