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The splendid capital of Malta, Valletta (Il-Belt Valletta), as one of the most beautiful baroque masterpieces in the world, was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its huge cultural importance; located on a peninsula and surrounded by the sea, Valletta is a popular holiday destination of extraordinary beauty, the heart of the Mediterranean rich in natural wonders, history and important traditions.
Once known as "Humilissima Civitas Valettae" (The Most Humble City of Valletta) and named after its French founder Jean Parisot de Valette, the city was built by the Knights Hospitaller (also known as the Hospitallers and later Knights of Saint John or Knights of Malta) in the 16th century; they decided to construct a new fortified city on the Sciberras Peninsula that, thanks to its strategic position and its two natural and prestigious harbours, Marsamxett (Il-Port ta' Marsamxett) and the Grand Harbour (Il-Port il-Kbir), became over the centuries not only a powerful fortress city but also a strongpoint of culture and economy in the world; Valletta was badly damaged during the Second World War, the Grand Harbour, in particular, was the scene of even more destruction but today it is premier destination for yachts and superyachts and a must while staying in Malta.
Valletta is today the permanent seat of the Maltese government and a lively cultural centre where the university, the highest teaching institution in Malta, finds its best expression, it's not coincidence that Valletta was announced as The European City of Culture for 2018, a prestigious title that reflects the extraordinary cultural heritage of this baroque masterpiece including some of the most prestigious works of architecture such as very ancient forts and bastions, the St John's Co-Cathedral (Kon-Katidral ta' San Ġwann), one of the most beautiful churches in the world, the majestic Grandmaster's Palace, the star-shaped Fort Saint Elmo (Il-Forti Sant Iermu), the symbol of Malta that bore the brunt of Turkish arms during the Great Siege of 1565, or the Auberge de Castille (Il-Berġa ta' Kastilja), all worth a mention. Discovering the city will mean an emotional journey through history where the Valletta's characteristic elements of old and modern style, lights and colours, traditions and culture, music and fun will merge together for an unique and exciting experience; the rich tourist offer includes modern accommodation facilities, fashion nights, all sorts of possibilities for water sports, moreover a visit to Valletta must include a trip to the public gardens...walking along the walls you should stop just admiring (or visiting) the famous Barrakka Gardens (Il-Barrakka ta' Fuq), panoramic gardens of a charming beauty originally the private property of the Italian members of the Knight of St John; the Barrakka Gardens are divided into Upper Barrakka Gardens (Il-Barrakka ta' Fuq) and Lower Barrakka Gardens (Il-Barrakka t'Isfel), the lower ones offer a magnificent view over the Grand Harbour, Marsamxett Harbour and the Cottonera line including the Three Fortified Cities of Birgu, Bormla and Senglea (L-Isla); highly appreciated for their neo-classical style they are enriched with precious monuments, a wonderful temple and a number of commemorative plaques related to very important historical events. After a day's sightseeing walking along the seaside promenade will be exciting, it is the ideal spot where to take part in international cultural events, entertainment, exhibitions and so much more all night long while enjoying amazing sea views or the breathtaking skyline of the nearby Three Cities.
In particular, Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa due to the vital role played in the Siege of Malta in the 16th century) plays a significant role in Maltese history as the first home of the Knights of St John, what still remains today is a reminder of their former auberge; due to its key position in the Grand Harbour it was fortified and strengthened in preparation for attacks, the Fort St Angelo (Forti Sant'Anglu) met these needs. The tourist attractions of Birgu include many ancient churches, majestic palaces, forts and walls, a charming bay and rich entertainment programs, an important place on the cultural calendar is the Carnival introduced by the Knights of Malta in the 16th century.
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Armonia reversing in effortlessly .
Plenty enjoyed the Zip Wire last Sunday
The port annual fire works tomorrow evening
I wrote an info tag to give additional info about Fort St Angelo but it is not showing so I am posting it here:
Previously known as Castrum Maris (Castle by the sea), this fort developed over time and according to military technologies of the time. Notable events / sieges around this castle:
1127 Rebellion of the Arabs and consolidation of power by King Roger II (Normans)
1283 Naval battle and castle siege by Aragonese forces against Anjevin forces
1372 Genoese siege against Giacomo Pellegrino (Hakem / Capitano della Verga and Castellano)
1398 Siege by Royalist forces against the castle garrison loyal to rebel leaders Moncada and Alagona
1425 - 1427 Uprising against Don Gonsalvo Monroy (feudal lord). His wife Donna Costanza is held hostage at the fort.
1429 Moorish invasion
1488 Turkish raid
1551 Ottoman raid and pillaging of the islands
1565 Siege of Malta by the Ottoman forces
1798 French invasion of Malta and expulsion of the Hospitaller Order
1940 - 1942 Second World War
Additional info:
http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/index.php/Fortifications/fort-st-angelo-during-the-great-siege.html
https://vassallohistory.wordpress.com/feudal-lords-of-malta/
this is still one of my favourite spot to sit drink tea,eat cake or have a Cisk and just watch.
Costa Neoriviea passing the Siege bell mid day Malta time.
Trans ocean driller on her way out this morning.9.50 Malta time.
There has been some discussion on the Grand Harbour webcam about the ships painted on the wall. I have just posted this there and copied here for info.
Further to the comments a week or so ago about the paintings on the wall, I have recently read this review of the Siege Bell Memorial http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM8G17_Siege_Bell_Memorial_Valletta_Malta
The article includes this comment ....
The George Medal was awarded to the island on 15 April 1942 and the partial success of Operation Pedestal, a supply convoy involving 14 merchant ships and 44 war ships. Nine of the merchant ships were sunk, the tanker Ohio limped into harbour severely damaged, with no power and kept afloat slung between two destroyers. One aircraft carrier, two cruisers and one destroyer were sunk and one aircraft carrier and two cruisers were severely damaged. The Operation Pedestal y was a tactical disaster but a significant strategic victory. The siege continued but now malta had the aircraft, fuel, ammunition, food and moral to fight back.
This makes me wonder if the paintings commemorate the Aircraft Carrier, two Cruisers and Destroyer which were sunk there, believed to be the Eagle, Manchester, Cairo and Foresight, although F91 was the Kipling which was also sunk but not in Malta.
(My suggestions, not fact) Any further input welcome.
More fireworks tonight.
Stewart . not sure where you are looking for is this on Republic street down from St Georges square ? and what "rig" are you looking for.you could try street level on google earth.
any one know if there's a video camera in the main street I'm looking for a shop that sells the rigs it has a green front it's not new and the owner is a elderly gentel man I know it's on the left hand side below the main square this is my last resort if any one can help me I hope that I'm not going to be banned from the site for my request :)
Stewart.If you look carefully early in the morning you can make out the navel ships painted on the wall.
The swimmer Expecting time arrival approx 6.30
The swimmer will be arriving after 6