Valletta & the Three Cities

Valletta, Malta’s capital and a World Heritage site, is nothing short of an open-air museum. It is a living experience of Baroque architecture, a monument donated by the Knights of St John nearly five centuries ago. Throughout the years, Valletta has welcomed emperors, heads of state, artists and poets and is now the permanent seat of the Maltese government. Dotted with quaint cafés, restaurants and wine bars, the city is one of Malta’s main tourist attractions, hosting among others, the majestic St John’s Co- Cathedral, the imposing bastions and a treasure of priceless collections in its many museums. It also provides a stunning snapshot of Malta’s Grand Harbour, often described as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The city’s unique setting plays host to a series of cultural events, from art exhibitions, theatre to concerts and operas. Visitors can admire massive bastions, unique limestone buildings, imposing churches and colourful harbour scenes.

Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, widely known as The Three Cities, offer an intriguing insight into Malta's history and provide a slice of authentic life as well as a glimpse into Malta's maritime fortunes. The Three Cities can rightly claim to be the cradle of Maltese history, as they have provided a home and shelter to almost all who settled on the Islands. Their harbour inlets have been used since Phoenician times and its palaces, churches and forts of the Knight's Order are far older than Valletta's.