Valletta
Valletta, built around 500 years ago, is often described as a city ‘built by gentlemen, for gentleman’. Apart from being Malta’s capital, Valletta is also the commercial and political centre and is filled with numerous tourist attractions.
MUSEUMS CASA ROCCA PICCOLA
Location : 74, Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Saturday between 1000 hours and 1600 hours except public holidays.
Description : Casa Rocca Piccola is a Maltese Noble Family House on Republic Street, built in 1580. It was the private home of the 9th Marquis de Piro and contains over 40 rooms and a delightful courtyard. This home gives the opportunity to see how a patrician household lived over 400 years ago.
Admission :
Website : www.casaroccapiccola.com
PALACE STATE ROOMS
Location : Grandmaster’s Palace, Republic Street, Valletta
Opening Time : Monday to Sunday between 0900 hours to 1700 hours (Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday).
Description : The Grand Master's palace, completed in 1574, today serves as the office of the President and seat of the Maltese Parliament. Grand Master's Palace: This magnificent seat of power of the Knights of St John was used by 21 Grand Masters, from 1575 to 1798. The palace is a treasure house of art, from the unique collection of Gobelin Tapestries to frescoes by Perez d’Aleccio depicting the Great Siege of 1565 that cover the walls of the Halls of St Michael and St George. The decoration on the ceiling of the corridors is by Nicolo Nasoni. Many of the State apartments are decorated with friezes depicting episodes from the history of the Order.
Admission : Adults (18 to 59 years) €10, students and senior citizens €7 whilst children (6 to 11 years) €5
Website : www.heritagemalta.org
THE MANOEL THEATRE AND MUSEUM
Location : 115, Old Theatre Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 1000 hours and 1200 hours.
Description : The Manoel Theatre, built for the 'honest entertainment of the people', by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena in 1731 and is one of the oldest theatres in Europe still in use. In fact, plays, opera and musical performances are still held on a regular basis.
Admission : €2.33 for museum and €3.96 for museum and theatre.
Website : www.teatrumanoel.com
THE ARMOURY
Location : Granmaster’s Palace, Merchant Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Sunday between 0900 hours and 1700 hours (Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday).
Description : The Armoury is one of the world’s greatest arms collections housed in their original buildings, with all the symbols of the past glories of the Knights of St. John. Amongst the numerous exhibits, there are genuine suits of armour, pole arms such as pikes, halberds, forks and partisans, bows and arrows, powder flasks, swords, firearms and various types of ordinance. One of the guns is a rare 18th century type with its muzzle reinforced with hides and tarred rope. There are also several iron and stone cannon balls, possibly relics of the Great Siege.
Admission : Adults (18 to 59 years) €10, students and senior citizens €7 whilst children (6 to 11 years) €5
Website : www.heritagemalta.org
NATIONAL WAR MUSEUM
Location : Fort St. Elmo, St. Elmo Place, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Sunday between 0900 hours and 1700 hours (Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday).
Description : The Malta War Museum is housed within the walls of the historic Fort St. Elmo. The permanent exhibition contains an ever-increasing collection of war relics which range from Malta’s historic Gladiator aircraft, christened “Faith”, the George Cross awarded to the island for bravery by King George VI in World War II, to various uniforms, weapons and service vehicles. In the crypt there are buried the Grand Masters of the Order who died before St. John’s was built.
Admission : Adults (18 to 59 years) €6, students and senior citizens €4.50 whilst children (6 to 11 years) €3.
Website : www.heritagemalta.org
ST. JOHN CATHEDRAL MUSEUM
Location : Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 0930 and 1630hours and Saturday between 0930 hours and 1230 hours.
Description : The museum holds Caravaggio’s masterpiece the “Beheading of St. John”. This painting is the only one of his paintings which bears his signature. It also houses a unique collection of Flemish tapestries, silver objects and church vestments. Admission : Adults € 5.80
Website : www.stjohnscocathedral.com
TOY MUSEUM
Location : 22, Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 1000 hours and 1500 hours.
Description : The Toy Museum is a private collection from the 1950s onwards. The collection is showcased on three floors and includes Matchbox cars, farmyard animals, train sets, dolls and models of planes and boats. Admission : €2.33 adults, children free
NATIONAL LIBRARY
Location : 36, Old Treasury Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 0830 hours and 1745 hours (summer between 0830 hours and 1315 hours) and Saturdays between 0815 hours and 1300 hours.
Description : The National Library was the last major structure built by the Knights of Malta in Valletta before their departure from the Island. The National Library houses unique historic documents, from the entire archives of the Knights of St. John from the Crusades in the 11th century until 1798 when Napoleon took Malta. The archives contain over 7,000 manuscripts volumes and records.
Admission : Free.
Website : www.libraries-archives.gov.mt/nlm/index.htm
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY
Location : Auberge de Provence, Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Sunday between 0900 hours and 1700 hours (Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday).
Description : The National Museum of Archaeology is housed in the Auberge de Provence which was built between 1571-1575. The Auberge de Provence was designed by the Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar. It currently houses a spectacular range of artefacts dating back to Malta’s Neolithic period from the G?ar Dalam phase (5,200 B.C.) up to the Tarxien phase (2,500 B.C.). Highlights include the ‘Sleeping Lady’ from the ?al Saflieni Hypogeum, the ‘Venus of Malta’ from ?a?ar Qim and the large altars from the Tarxien Temples.
Admission : Adults (18 to 59 years) €5, students and senior citizens €3.50 whilst children (6 to 11 years) €2.50.
Website : www.heritagemalta.org
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Location : South Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Sunday between 0900 hours and 1700 hours (Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday).
Description : This splendid palace, known as Admiralty House during the British period, was among the first buildings erected in Valletta but it was rebuilt in its present form between 1761 and 1765. The palace, spread over three floors, houses paintings, sculptures, furniture and other exhibits connected with the Order of St. John having works by Domenico di Michelino, Carpaccio, Perugino, Tintoretto, Reni, Valentin, Mathias Stomer, Preti, Tiepolo, Ribera, Favray and Vernet. The museum also has a unique collection of coins and medals which may be viewed by appointment.
Admission : Adults (18 to 59 years) €5, students and senior citizens €3.50 whilst children (6 to 11 years) €2.50
Website : www.heritagemalta.org
Location : 74, Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Saturday between 1000 hours and 1600 hours except public holidays.
Description : Casa Rocca Piccola is a Maltese Noble Family House on Republic Street, built in 1580. It was the private home of the 9th Marquis de Piro and contains over 40 rooms and a delightful courtyard. This home gives the opportunity to see how a patrician household lived over 400 years ago.
Admission :
Website : www.casaroccapiccola.com
PALACE STATE ROOMS
Location : Grandmaster’s Palace, Republic Street, Valletta
Opening Time : Monday to Sunday between 0900 hours to 1700 hours (Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday).
Description : The Grand Master's palace, completed in 1574, today serves as the office of the President and seat of the Maltese Parliament. Grand Master's Palace: This magnificent seat of power of the Knights of St John was used by 21 Grand Masters, from 1575 to 1798. The palace is a treasure house of art, from the unique collection of Gobelin Tapestries to frescoes by Perez d’Aleccio depicting the Great Siege of 1565 that cover the walls of the Halls of St Michael and St George. The decoration on the ceiling of the corridors is by Nicolo Nasoni. Many of the State apartments are decorated with friezes depicting episodes from the history of the Order.
Admission : Adults (18 to 59 years) €10, students and senior citizens €7 whilst children (6 to 11 years) €5
Website : www.heritagemalta.org
THE MANOEL THEATRE AND MUSEUM
Location : 115, Old Theatre Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 1000 hours and 1200 hours.
Description : The Manoel Theatre, built for the 'honest entertainment of the people', by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena in 1731 and is one of the oldest theatres in Europe still in use. In fact, plays, opera and musical performances are still held on a regular basis.
Admission : €2.33 for museum and €3.96 for museum and theatre.
Website : www.teatrumanoel.com
THE ARMOURY
Location : Granmaster’s Palace, Merchant Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Sunday between 0900 hours and 1700 hours (Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday).
Description : The Armoury is one of the world’s greatest arms collections housed in their original buildings, with all the symbols of the past glories of the Knights of St. John. Amongst the numerous exhibits, there are genuine suits of armour, pole arms such as pikes, halberds, forks and partisans, bows and arrows, powder flasks, swords, firearms and various types of ordinance. One of the guns is a rare 18th century type with its muzzle reinforced with hides and tarred rope. There are also several iron and stone cannon balls, possibly relics of the Great Siege.
Admission : Adults (18 to 59 years) €10, students and senior citizens €7 whilst children (6 to 11 years) €5
Website : www.heritagemalta.org
NATIONAL WAR MUSEUM
Location : Fort St. Elmo, St. Elmo Place, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Sunday between 0900 hours and 1700 hours (Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday).
Description : The Malta War Museum is housed within the walls of the historic Fort St. Elmo. The permanent exhibition contains an ever-increasing collection of war relics which range from Malta’s historic Gladiator aircraft, christened “Faith”, the George Cross awarded to the island for bravery by King George VI in World War II, to various uniforms, weapons and service vehicles. In the crypt there are buried the Grand Masters of the Order who died before St. John’s was built.
Admission : Adults (18 to 59 years) €6, students and senior citizens €4.50 whilst children (6 to 11 years) €3.
Website : www.heritagemalta.org
ST. JOHN CATHEDRAL MUSEUM
Location : Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 0930 and 1630hours and Saturday between 0930 hours and 1230 hours.
Description : The museum holds Caravaggio’s masterpiece the “Beheading of St. John”. This painting is the only one of his paintings which bears his signature. It also houses a unique collection of Flemish tapestries, silver objects and church vestments. Admission : Adults € 5.80
Website : www.stjohnscocathedral.com
TOY MUSEUM
Location : 22, Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 1000 hours and 1500 hours.
Description : The Toy Museum is a private collection from the 1950s onwards. The collection is showcased on three floors and includes Matchbox cars, farmyard animals, train sets, dolls and models of planes and boats. Admission : €2.33 adults, children free
NATIONAL LIBRARY
Location : 36, Old Treasury Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 0830 hours and 1745 hours (summer between 0830 hours and 1315 hours) and Saturdays between 0815 hours and 1300 hours.
Description : The National Library was the last major structure built by the Knights of Malta in Valletta before their departure from the Island. The National Library houses unique historic documents, from the entire archives of the Knights of St. John from the Crusades in the 11th century until 1798 when Napoleon took Malta. The archives contain over 7,000 manuscripts volumes and records.
Admission : Free.
Website : www.libraries-archives.gov.mt/nlm/index.htm
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY
Location : Auberge de Provence, Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Sunday between 0900 hours and 1700 hours (Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday).
Description : The National Museum of Archaeology is housed in the Auberge de Provence which was built between 1571-1575. The Auberge de Provence was designed by the Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar. It currently houses a spectacular range of artefacts dating back to Malta’s Neolithic period from the G?ar Dalam phase (5,200 B.C.) up to the Tarxien phase (2,500 B.C.). Highlights include the ‘Sleeping Lady’ from the ?al Saflieni Hypogeum, the ‘Venus of Malta’ from ?a?ar Qim and the large altars from the Tarxien Temples.
Admission : Adults (18 to 59 years) €5, students and senior citizens €3.50 whilst children (6 to 11 years) €2.50.
Website : www.heritagemalta.org
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Location : South Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Sunday between 0900 hours and 1700 hours (Closed: 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday).
Description : This splendid palace, known as Admiralty House during the British period, was among the first buildings erected in Valletta but it was rebuilt in its present form between 1761 and 1765. The palace, spread over three floors, houses paintings, sculptures, furniture and other exhibits connected with the Order of St. John having works by Domenico di Michelino, Carpaccio, Perugino, Tintoretto, Reni, Valentin, Mathias Stomer, Preti, Tiepolo, Ribera, Favray and Vernet. The museum also has a unique collection of coins and medals which may be viewed by appointment.
Admission : Adults (18 to 59 years) €5, students and senior citizens €3.50 whilst children (6 to 11 years) €2.50
Website : www.heritagemalta.org
CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS SITES ST. JOHN CATHEDRAL
Location : Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 0930 and 1630hours and Saturday between 0930 hours and 1230 hours.
Description : St. John’s Cathedral was built between 1573 and 1578 on a design by Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar following authorization by Grand Master Jean de la Cassiere. Each of the different 'langues' had their own chapel lined along the side of the nave in which they tried to outdo each other in splendour. The floor is entirely taken by knight's graves all intricately inlaid marble in different colours. The cathedral was largely decorated by another Italian artist and a knight himself, Mattia Preti in the 17th Century, who designed the intricate carved stone walls, all done on site, and painted the vaulted ceiling and side altars with scenes from the life of St John.
Admission : Free.
Website : www.stjohnscocathedral.com
OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH
Location : South Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Daily from 0800 hours to 1300 hours.
Description : When the city of Valletta was inaugurated in 1566, a chapel was built where the foundation stone was laid by Grand Master La Valette. It was initially dedicated to the Nativity of Our lady. Later La Valette dedicated the same chapel to Our Lady of Victory to commemorate the end of the Great Siege. Grand Master La Valette died on 22 August 1568 and was buried in this church. His remains together with those of Grand Master Pietro del Monte were transferred to the Crypt of St John’s cathedral when work on this magnificent building was completed.
Admission : Free.
ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL
Location : Independence Square, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Saturday from 0800 hours to 1200 hours.
Description : St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral was built with the support of Queen Adelaide, the widow of King William IV. During her visit to Malta, she acquired the Auberge of the German langue, had the sight cleared and built the neo-classical Cathedral. The cathedral’s spire is 200 feet high and its organ came from Chester Cathedral in England .
Admission : Free.
Website : www.anglicanmalta.org
CHURCH OF GESU
Location : Merchant Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Saturday from 0545 hours to 1200 hours and from 1600 hours to 1930 hours, Sundays from 0545 hours to 1200 hours.
Description : The Church of Gesu dates back to the late 16th Century and was built in conjunction with the Jesuit College. When the Jesuits were thrown off the island in 1768, the college became the University of Malta and this is now its church. The interior is worth a visit for the paintings and carvings.
Admission : Free.
CARMELITE CHURCH
Location : Old Theatre Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Saturday from 0545 hours to 1200 hours and from 1600 hours to 1930 hours, Sundays from 0545 hours to 1200 hours.
Description : The Carmelite Church was built to rival the nearby Anglican cathedral and its dome is a feature of the Valletta’s skyline. Originally built by Gerolamo Cassar, after the devastation of World War II, a new structure of far larger proportions was built around the old church. The interior is light, spacious and unusually free of elaborate ornamentation.
Admission : Free.
GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH
Location : Archbishop Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Saturday from 0730 hours to 1000 hours, Sundays from 0545 hours to 1000 hours.
Description : The church contains a 12th Century icon which is said to have been brought by the Knights from Rhodes in the 16th Century.
Admission : Free
Location : Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 0930 and 1630hours and Saturday between 0930 hours and 1230 hours.
Description : St. John’s Cathedral was built between 1573 and 1578 on a design by Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar following authorization by Grand Master Jean de la Cassiere. Each of the different 'langues' had their own chapel lined along the side of the nave in which they tried to outdo each other in splendour. The floor is entirely taken by knight's graves all intricately inlaid marble in different colours. The cathedral was largely decorated by another Italian artist and a knight himself, Mattia Preti in the 17th Century, who designed the intricate carved stone walls, all done on site, and painted the vaulted ceiling and side altars with scenes from the life of St John.
Admission : Free.
Website : www.stjohnscocathedral.com
OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH
Location : South Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Daily from 0800 hours to 1300 hours.
Description : When the city of Valletta was inaugurated in 1566, a chapel was built where the foundation stone was laid by Grand Master La Valette. It was initially dedicated to the Nativity of Our lady. Later La Valette dedicated the same chapel to Our Lady of Victory to commemorate the end of the Great Siege. Grand Master La Valette died on 22 August 1568 and was buried in this church. His remains together with those of Grand Master Pietro del Monte were transferred to the Crypt of St John’s cathedral when work on this magnificent building was completed.
Admission : Free.
ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL
Location : Independence Square, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Saturday from 0800 hours to 1200 hours.
Description : St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral was built with the support of Queen Adelaide, the widow of King William IV. During her visit to Malta, she acquired the Auberge of the German langue, had the sight cleared and built the neo-classical Cathedral. The cathedral’s spire is 200 feet high and its organ came from Chester Cathedral in England .
Admission : Free.
Website : www.anglicanmalta.org
CHURCH OF GESU
Location : Merchant Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Saturday from 0545 hours to 1200 hours and from 1600 hours to 1930 hours, Sundays from 0545 hours to 1200 hours.
Description : The Church of Gesu dates back to the late 16th Century and was built in conjunction with the Jesuit College. When the Jesuits were thrown off the island in 1768, the college became the University of Malta and this is now its church. The interior is worth a visit for the paintings and carvings.
Admission : Free.
CARMELITE CHURCH
Location : Old Theatre Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Saturday from 0545 hours to 1200 hours and from 1600 hours to 1930 hours, Sundays from 0545 hours to 1200 hours.
Description : The Carmelite Church was built to rival the nearby Anglican cathedral and its dome is a feature of the Valletta’s skyline. Originally built by Gerolamo Cassar, after the devastation of World War II, a new structure of far larger proportions was built around the old church. The interior is light, spacious and unusually free of elaborate ornamentation.
Admission : Free.
GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH
Location : Archbishop Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Saturday from 0730 hours to 1000 hours, Sundays from 0545 hours to 1000 hours.
Description : The church contains a 12th Century icon which is said to have been brought by the Knights from Rhodes in the 16th Century.
Admission : Free
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS MALTA EXPERIENCE
Location : Mediterranean Conference Centre, Mediterranean Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 1100 hours and 1600 hours, Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays between 1100 hours and 1400 hours (until 1300 hours from July to September).
Description : The Malta Experience gives a 30-minute dramatic presentation of major events that shaped Malta from Neolithic to modern times and is mainly meant for first-time visitors. The audio-visual show is offered in 10 languages.
Admission : Adults € 9.50, students € 6.50 and children (under 14) € 4.50.
Website : www.themaltaexperience.com
Location : Mediterranean Conference Centre, Mediterranean Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Monday to Friday between 1100 hours and 1600 hours, Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays between 1100 hours and 1400 hours (until 1300 hours from July to September).
Description : The Malta Experience gives a 30-minute dramatic presentation of major events that shaped Malta from Neolithic to modern times and is mainly meant for first-time visitors. The audio-visual show is offered in 10 languages.
Admission : Adults € 9.50, students € 6.50 and children (under 14) € 4.50.
Website : www.themaltaexperience.com
GARDENS HASTINGS GARDENS
Location : Windmill Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Daily from 0700 hours to 2200 hours.
Description : Hastings Garden is a small, attractive city garden set on the bastions of Valletta with views of Manoel Island and Msida Creek. The garden also houses a monument built by the Hastings family dedicated to Francis, Marquis of Hastings, who was a governor of Malta.
Admission : Free.
LOWER BARRAKKA GARDENS
Location : Mediterranean Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Daily from 0700 hours to 2200 hours.
Description : The Lower Barrakka Gardens rest on the bastion edge overlooking the entrance to Grand Harbour. It commands a superb viewpoint of the harbour, and Fort Ricasoli, Bighi Palace, Fort St. Angelo and the creeks of Vittoriosa and Kalkara. A monument dedicated to Captain Ball is located in the centre of the Lower Barrakka Gardens.
Admission : Free.
UPPER BARRAKKA GARDENS
Location : Turn inland to Castille Place, Valletta.
Opening Time : Daily from 0700 hours to 2200 hours.
Description : The Upper Barrakka Gardens are situated near the Auberge de Castille and Leon. This site commands a magnificent view of Grand Harbour, one of the finest natural harbours in the world with unique views of Fort Ricasoli, Fort St. Angelo, Senglea, Vittoriosa, Kalkara and Marsa Creek. A number of statues and monuments adorn the gardens, including one dedicated to Winston Churchill.
Admission : Free.
Location : Windmill Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Daily from 0700 hours to 2200 hours.
Description : Hastings Garden is a small, attractive city garden set on the bastions of Valletta with views of Manoel Island and Msida Creek. The garden also houses a monument built by the Hastings family dedicated to Francis, Marquis of Hastings, who was a governor of Malta.
Admission : Free.
LOWER BARRAKKA GARDENS
Location : Mediterranean Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Daily from 0700 hours to 2200 hours.
Description : The Lower Barrakka Gardens rest on the bastion edge overlooking the entrance to Grand Harbour. It commands a superb viewpoint of the harbour, and Fort Ricasoli, Bighi Palace, Fort St. Angelo and the creeks of Vittoriosa and Kalkara. A monument dedicated to Captain Ball is located in the centre of the Lower Barrakka Gardens.
Admission : Free.
UPPER BARRAKKA GARDENS
Location : Turn inland to Castille Place, Valletta.
Opening Time : Daily from 0700 hours to 2200 hours.
Description : The Upper Barrakka Gardens are situated near the Auberge de Castille and Leon. This site commands a magnificent view of Grand Harbour, one of the finest natural harbours in the world with unique views of Fort Ricasoli, Fort St. Angelo, Senglea, Vittoriosa, Kalkara and Marsa Creek. A number of statues and monuments adorn the gardens, including one dedicated to Winston Churchill.
Admission : Free.
BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES AUBERGE DE CASTILLE AND LEON
Location : Castille Palace, Valletta.
Opening Time : Not open to public.
Description : The Auberge of Castille and Leon, is the largest and perhaps the finest of all the Auberges. Its head was the Grand Chancellor of the Order of St. John. The Auberge was built by the renowned Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar in 1574 and extensive reconstruction were carried out by Maltese architect, Andrea Belli, in 1744. Following the departure of the Knights of St. John, the Auberge de Castille served as the headquarters of the French occupation forces, between 1798 and 1800, and as British Army Headquarters after 1800. It became the Office of the Prime Minister in 1972.
Admission : Not open to public.
AUBERGE D'ITALIE
Location : Merchant Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : N/A – currently being used as post office.
Description : Construction for the Auberge d'ltalie began in 1574. It is situated in front of another notable building, Palazzo Parisio. It has a fine facade which was designed by Romano Carapecchra.
Admission : N/A – currently being used as post office.
FORT ST. ELMO
Location : St. Elmo Place, Valletta.
Opening Time : Not open to public.
Description : Fort St. Elmo was built at the tip of the peninsula by the knights after raid by Dragut in 1551. During the Great Siege of 1565, the Turks made the mistake of choosing to first take this fort, for which they had planned a week. Instead the knights and soldiers present fought desperately for a month, buying essential time. Today, the Fort is the setting for the 'In Guardia' historical re-enactments, full-scale military parades in period costume, held throughout the year except during peak summer months.
Admission : Not open to public.
ST. JAMES' CAVALIER
Location : Centre for Creativity, Castille Place, Valletta.
Opening Time : Depending on activities held.
Description : St. James Cavalier is a fortress opposite the Auberge de Castille which was built as part of the elaborate defence systems of Valletta. Today it houses a 'Centre for Creativity', with its own theatre, exhibition halls, cinema and music room.
Admission : Depending on activities held.
Website : www.sjcav.org
SACRA INFERMERIA
Location : Mediterranean Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Depending on activities held.
Description : The Sacra Infermeria, built in 1574 under Grand Master de la Cassiere, achieved fame as one of the foremost hospitals of the period in Europe. Food was served by the Knights themselves on silver plates, specimens of which, together with ceramic pharmacy jars, may be seen at the National Museum of Fine Arts. The Infermeria had six wards with the largest measuring 161 metres; believed to be one of the longest halls in Europe. It was mostly destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt and now functions as a conference centre.
Admission : Depending on activities held.
Website : www.mcc.com.mt
THE CASINO MALTESE
Location : 247, Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time :
Description : The Casino Maltese was originally used as the Treasury of the Knights of St. John. The 16th century palace served for a number of years as the Town Hall of Valletta, where many distinguished international personalities were entertained.
Admission : Free.
Website : www.thecasinomaltese.org
THE SIEGE BELL MEMORIAL
Location : Mediterranean Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Daily from 0700 hours to 2200 hours.
Description : The 10-tonne bronze bell commemorates the 8,000 or so British and Maltese who fell in the 1940-3 Siege of Malta and was inaugurated in 1992 by Queen Elizabeth II. The bell is rung each day at mid-day.
Admission : Free.
VALLETTA OPERA HOUSE
Location : Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Depends on show
Description : During the last world war it was severely damaged and since then pulled down and was never rebuilt. The works at the Valletta Opera House was commenced in 1860 with Edward Middleton Barry, as architect, few metres away from the main city gate. The Opera House was officially opened in 1866 with the splendid glittering performance of Bellini’s I Puritani. Seven years later the interior was gutted by a disastrous fire. However, the rebuilding followed the original design and Valletta had for many years a fine, spacious auditorium on the classical model with five tier of boxes encircling the seating in the stalls.
Admission : Depends on show
ROYAL MALTA UNIVERSITY
Location : Old University Building, St. Paul’s Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : N/A.
Description : The Royal Malta University is the oldest university in the Commonwealth outside Britain. It started as a Jesuit College in 1592 by Pope Clement VIII who gave the authority to confer degrees in philosophy and theology. In 1769 Grand Master Emmanuel Pinto de Fonseca with authority from Pope Clement XIV, raised the college to the status of university and authorised the conferring of degrees in the Faculties of Arts, Law and Theology. The Royal Malta University originally stood in the older part of Valletta, but the site became too cramped and in 1963 construction of a new university started at Tal Qroqq.
Admission : N/A.
Location : Castille Palace, Valletta.
Opening Time : Not open to public.
Description : The Auberge of Castille and Leon, is the largest and perhaps the finest of all the Auberges. Its head was the Grand Chancellor of the Order of St. John. The Auberge was built by the renowned Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar in 1574 and extensive reconstruction were carried out by Maltese architect, Andrea Belli, in 1744. Following the departure of the Knights of St. John, the Auberge de Castille served as the headquarters of the French occupation forces, between 1798 and 1800, and as British Army Headquarters after 1800. It became the Office of the Prime Minister in 1972.
Admission : Not open to public.
AUBERGE D'ITALIE
Location : Merchant Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : N/A – currently being used as post office.
Description : Construction for the Auberge d'ltalie began in 1574. It is situated in front of another notable building, Palazzo Parisio. It has a fine facade which was designed by Romano Carapecchra.
Admission : N/A – currently being used as post office.
FORT ST. ELMO
Location : St. Elmo Place, Valletta.
Opening Time : Not open to public.
Description : Fort St. Elmo was built at the tip of the peninsula by the knights after raid by Dragut in 1551. During the Great Siege of 1565, the Turks made the mistake of choosing to first take this fort, for which they had planned a week. Instead the knights and soldiers present fought desperately for a month, buying essential time. Today, the Fort is the setting for the 'In Guardia' historical re-enactments, full-scale military parades in period costume, held throughout the year except during peak summer months.
Admission : Not open to public.
ST. JAMES' CAVALIER
Location : Centre for Creativity, Castille Place, Valletta.
Opening Time : Depending on activities held.
Description : St. James Cavalier is a fortress opposite the Auberge de Castille which was built as part of the elaborate defence systems of Valletta. Today it houses a 'Centre for Creativity', with its own theatre, exhibition halls, cinema and music room.
Admission : Depending on activities held.
Website : www.sjcav.org
SACRA INFERMERIA
Location : Mediterranean Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Depending on activities held.
Description : The Sacra Infermeria, built in 1574 under Grand Master de la Cassiere, achieved fame as one of the foremost hospitals of the period in Europe. Food was served by the Knights themselves on silver plates, specimens of which, together with ceramic pharmacy jars, may be seen at the National Museum of Fine Arts. The Infermeria had six wards with the largest measuring 161 metres; believed to be one of the longest halls in Europe. It was mostly destroyed during WWII and was rebuilt and now functions as a conference centre.
Admission : Depending on activities held.
Website : www.mcc.com.mt
THE CASINO MALTESE
Location : 247, Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time :
Description : The Casino Maltese was originally used as the Treasury of the Knights of St. John. The 16th century palace served for a number of years as the Town Hall of Valletta, where many distinguished international personalities were entertained.
Admission : Free.
Website : www.thecasinomaltese.org
THE SIEGE BELL MEMORIAL
Location : Mediterranean Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Daily from 0700 hours to 2200 hours.
Description : The 10-tonne bronze bell commemorates the 8,000 or so British and Maltese who fell in the 1940-3 Siege of Malta and was inaugurated in 1992 by Queen Elizabeth II. The bell is rung each day at mid-day.
Admission : Free.
VALLETTA OPERA HOUSE
Location : Republic Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : Depends on show
Description : During the last world war it was severely damaged and since then pulled down and was never rebuilt. The works at the Valletta Opera House was commenced in 1860 with Edward Middleton Barry, as architect, few metres away from the main city gate. The Opera House was officially opened in 1866 with the splendid glittering performance of Bellini’s I Puritani. Seven years later the interior was gutted by a disastrous fire. However, the rebuilding followed the original design and Valletta had for many years a fine, spacious auditorium on the classical model with five tier of boxes encircling the seating in the stalls.
Admission : Depends on show
ROYAL MALTA UNIVERSITY
Location : Old University Building, St. Paul’s Street, Valletta.
Opening Time : N/A.
Description : The Royal Malta University is the oldest university in the Commonwealth outside Britain. It started as a Jesuit College in 1592 by Pope Clement VIII who gave the authority to confer degrees in philosophy and theology. In 1769 Grand Master Emmanuel Pinto de Fonseca with authority from Pope Clement XIV, raised the college to the status of university and authorised the conferring of degrees in the Faculties of Arts, Law and Theology. The Royal Malta University originally stood in the older part of Valletta, but the site became too cramped and in 1963 construction of a new university started at Tal Qroqq.
Admission : N/A.