Top Attractions in Valletta, Malta
Saluting Battery, Grand Master’s Palace, Great Siege & War Rooms
Beyond the extensive fortifications and Grand Harbour, this World Heritage-listed capital city is packed with history, from the Knights of St John to World War II.
Malta’s World Heritage-listed capital city, Valletta, is packed with attractions and history. Even without them, it is a truly beautiful city, with the extensive fortifications complimented by the magnificent Grand Harbour, but those who travel to Malta should visit the Saluting Battery, Grand Master’s Palace, Great Siege of Malta attraction and Lascaris War Rooms.
Attractions in Valletta, Malta - The Saluting Battery, Upper Barakka Gardens
Ever wanted to learn how to fire a cannon? Well, this is the place to head to. Efforts are underway to restore the Saluting Battery in the Upper Barakka Gardens to its former glory – meaning 21 cannons with which to make salutes to dignitaries on passing ships. In the mean time, visitors can get an explanation on how to load the cannons, and a distressing insight into the life of an 18th century naval gunner. The battery offers tours at 11am and 12.15pm every day.
Attractions in Valletta, Malta - The Grand Master’s Palace and Armoury
Much of Malta’s history has been shaped by the Knights of St John (also known as the Knights Hospitaller and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta). An order dating back to the crusades, and now based in Rome, they were given the island as a base in the 16th century and evicted by Napoleon in the 19th century. The Maltese parliament now occupies the Palace of the Order’s Grand Master, but visitors can also look round. Those wishing to follow on from the cannons in terms of deadly weaponry should head straight to the armoury – it is full of armour, swords, helmets and halberds.
Attractions in Valletta, Malta - The Great Siege of Malta
Given that the Knights of St John played such a large part in Malta’s history, it’s only natural to discover more about the order. In Republic Square, Valletta, there is a walk through re-enactment of the Knights’ history, focusing on the Siege of Malta in 1565, where the thoroughly outnumbered knights miraculously held out against a far superior Turkish army. Expect plenty of waxworks, sound effects and good entertainment.
Attractions in Valletta, Malta - The Lascaris War Rooms
Malta suffered greatly during the Second World War, bravely holding out against Fascist Italy, and then proving a major base and strategic Mediterranean sea port for the Allied forces. No other country was bombed as much during World War II, and Malta is still the only county as a whole to receive the George Cross for bravery and valour in battle. The endurance strategies were devised in a dark underground complex called the Lascaris War Rooms. Formerly used by the Knights of St John and now an exhibition space, visitors to the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta can discover for themselves what life in wartime Malta was like.
