Valletta, Malta's capital - tourist information

photo: Backstreets in downtown Valletta

Valletta is Malta's capital city, characterised by the numerous beautiful baroque buildings that line the streets. The whole city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site named after its founder - the respected Grand Master of the Order of St John, Jean Parisot de la Valette.

Valletta is extremely compact, covering just 55 hectares, but is a fully functioning bustling city and retains a timeless atmosphere - especially when you get off the tourist trail and stroll around the residential area of downtown Valletta.

There are many places of interest for visitors to Valletta. Culture vultures can find a dozen or so churches and cathedrals, the same number of palaces, theatres, piazzas and gardens. It is remarkable that such a small city can fit so much in. There is a historical site around almost every corner.

Add to this a thriving cafe culture and a plethora of quaint traditional shops and Valletta makes for an enjoyable and interesting diversion when holidaying in Malta.

Valletta Map