Apartment hotel in Malta
A visit to Valletta is an unforgettable discovery of a city unique in the world for its exceptional concentration of historical monuments. The city was founded by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in 1566, and in particular the Grand Master of the time, the Frenchman Jean de La Valette. It originally took the name "The Most Humble City of Valletta" following the Order's resistance to the onslaught of the Turkish fleet. With 320 monuments in an area of only 55 hectares, the entire city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. So there's plenty to do after booking your Malta apartment hotel. But where to start visiting the Maltese capital?
There are obviously many monuments to admire in Valletta, the city would not be a Unesco World Heritage Site otherwise, but there are some that you should not miss. The co-cathedral of St. John, the Palace of the Grand Masters or the Upper and Lower Barrakka gardens (formerly the private gardens of the Knights of St. John) are among the city's must-sees. Let's take a look at the unforgettable sights during your stay in Valletta.
St John's Co-Cathedral
Built following the victory over the Ottomans, the cathedral was financed by the Order of St John (also known as the Hospitaller Order) and the Holy See, and completed in 1578. You will be surprised by the simplicity of the exterior façade of this baroque church, which contrasts sharply with the interior of the marble-paved nave and its patterned walls. You can even admire two paintings by Caravaggio, notably "The Beheading of St. John", a masterpiece by the artist who was a member of the Hospitaller order. It is best to get there early to try and avoid the crowds in Malta's most visited building. Book your hotel in Malta, and put a visit to the co-cathedral at the top of your To-Do List!
The Palace of the Grand Masters
Built to house the Grand Masters of the Order, the building now serves as the Presidential Palace and the Parliament of Malta, but also welcomes visitors throughout the day. You can wander through its finely decorated halls and corridors, or take a refreshing dip in the inner courtyards dotted with fountains and statues. Don't forget to visit the armoury, which has an impressive collection of arms and armour belonging to the knights and grandmasters of the order. You can't visit Malta without visiting the Palace of the Grand Masters and its armoury!
Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens
Let's start with the Upper Barraka Garden, which offers a view of the sea, but also of the Three Cities, historically areas of refuge during attacks on the island. Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua face Valletta, and were also built by the Knights of the Hospitaller Order. The gardens of Upper Barrakka offer a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the view of the city. Note the cannon shot at 12 o'clock, which is orchestrated by people trained in the handling of these weapons and dressed in period costume. The lower garden is home to a Dorian temple dedicated to Alexander Ball, who fought the French at the Battle of Aboukir. Also in the lower gardens is the Siege Bell War Memorial, which honours the military and civilians who died in the Second World War. This building consists of a limestone tower facing the sea, and houses a 10 ton bronze bell, which rings at noon every day. There are also many things to see and do during your stay in Malta, just book your hotel apartment!
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