Fun Facts You Might Not Know About: Valletta!

Before Valletta became Malta’s capital, the ancient city of Mdina held that role. Valletta officially became the capital City on 18 March 1571.

Despite being one of Europe’s smallest capitals covering just 0.8 square kilometres you can easily explore Valletta on foot in under 30 minutes.

Built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565, the city was named after Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette, who laid its first stone in 1566.

Valletta is one of Europe’s earliest planned cities, with straight streets and a grid layout designed to keep the city cool by promoting airflow.

The city boasts incredible treasures, including St John’s Co-Cathedral unassuming outside but lavish inside with gold and marble. It’s also home to Caravaggio’s famous painting, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, displayed in the cathedral’s Oratory.

Just outside the city entrance stands the iconic Triton Fountain, built in 1959 and beautifully restored in 2017–2018.

Explore hidden corners, narrow alleys, colourful balconies, and secret gardens. Don’t miss the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where the daily noon firing of the historic Saluting Battery offers spectacular views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.

Named European Capital of Culture in 2018, Valletta hosts regular festivals, concerts and art exhibitions.

Think Valletta is just for tourists and old buildings? Think again it’s a city full of surprises, history, and unforgettable sights.

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