World Heritage #0131 – City of Valletta

Last modified 27.03.2022 | Published 02.07.2008Malta, Southern Europe, World Heritage Sites

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Come to the City of Valletta and discover the world of knights, full armour, and also an impressive fortress and pretty architecture.

The UNESCO World Heritage List includes more than a thousand properties with outstanding universal value. They are all part of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

 

Official facts

  • Country: Malta
  • Date of Inscription: 1980
  • Category: Cultural site

UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre’s short description of site no. 131:

“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.”

 

My visit

In 2008 I wrote this:

“The capital Valletta, named after the Knight’s Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette, has many old age remains. Entering the streets of Valletta through the fortress walls at the City Gate is like entering into history. The windows were particularly interesting. Not least noteworthy were the steps leading down to Fort Saint Elmo. The steps are so low as to enable the knights to walk them wearing their heavy armour.”

You could easily spend a full day on your Malta vacation in Valletta, and so we did. I also would not hesitate to come back for more. 

Read more about my visit. 

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