Valetta

Valetta is an alternate spelling of Valletta, the capital city of Malta. Located on a peninsula at the northeastern tip of the island, it overlooks the Grand Harbour and serves as Malta’s administrative and cultural center. The name Valletta derives from Jean Parisot de Valette, a Grand Master of the Order of Saint John, after whom the city is ultimately named.

Valletta was founded by the Order of Saint John in the wake of the 1565 Great Siege. Construction began in 1566, and the city was designed as a fortified Baroque capital with a grid plan built around St. John’s Co-Cathedral. It became the capital of Malta in 1571 and grew as a ceremonial and political seat for the island.

Key landmarks reflect its fortified and architectural heritage. St. John’s Co-Cathedral houses significant Baroque art, including works by Caravaggio. The Grand Master’s Palace, the former seat of the Maltese government, is another major building. The city’s fortifications encircle Valletta, facing the Grand Harbour. In the 2010s, modern additions by Renzo Piano—such as the City Gate complex and the Parliament building—connected the historic core with contemporary civic functions. The Upper Barrakka Gardens offer panoramic views of the harbour, while the Lower Barrakka Lift provides access to the waterfront.

Valletta was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 for its historic significance and well-preserved Baroque architecture. It was also named European Capital of Culture for 2018, highlighting its museums, theatres, festivals, and cultural institutions. The city is relatively small, with a resident population around several thousand within a compact area, and a regional economy centered on government, tourism, and maritime activities.