It is the pearl of the Mediterranean and one of the most impressive baroque cities in the world, the Maltese capital of Valletta (Il-Belt Valletta) was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its huge cultural importance.
Valletta is a wonderful city surrounded by an incredible tradition of history and culture, here the rich heritage of the ancient mixes perfectly with the chaotic rhythm of modern life, its tourist offer includes a variety of attractions, monuments, ancient architectural treasures, churches and modern accommodation facilities, moreover it can be visited within a few hours; allowing ourselves time to relax amid the charming gardens of the city while enjoying its panoramic views, among the most beautiful in the world, will be a great experience! The gallant past of Valletta is still today represented by the imposing fortifications and bastions around it, their remains have survived both the First and the Second World War as well as a number of natural disasters; Valletta's origins date back to the early 16th century when the Knights Hospitaller (also known as the Hospitallers and later Knights of Saint John or Knights of Malta) decided to construct a new fortified city on the inhospitable Sciberras Peninsula under the guide of the Grandmaster Jean Parisot de la Valette (after whom it was named); the Great Siege of 1565 fortified the Order's position in Malta and the 'Humilissima Civitas Valettae' (the Most Humble City of Valletta) was known as the most exclusive fortress in Europe; thanks to its strategic position in the heart of the Mediterranean Valletta became over the centuries not only a powerful fortress city but also a strongpoint of culture and economy in the world enriched by two natural and prestigious harbours, Marsamxett (Il-Port ta' Marsamxett) and the Grand Harbour (Il-Port il-Kbir) both badly damaged during the Second World War; the harbours grew and expanded quickly, improved with extensive docks and wharves they were among the most fortified and safest harbours in Europe, the British Royal Navy settled here until 1979 and undertook a number of projects to improve the harbours and dockyard facilities partially damaged during the world wars; completely restored, they are today the premier destinations for yachts, superyachts and cruise ships and give the opportunity to take a boat ride if weather permits, how romantic would be to enjoy a delightful night harbour cruise by a Maltese boat? Imposing bastions and fortifications scattered all over the city are tangible testimonies to a glorious past, Grand Harbour for example is surrounded by Fort Saint Elmo (Il-Forti Sant Iermu), Fort Ricasoli (Forti Rikazoli), the picturesque village of Kalkara (Il-Kalkara) and the fortified Three Cities, Vittoriosa (Birgu), Cospicua (Bormla) and Senglea (L-Isla).
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