Valletta was named after Jean Parisot de la Valette, the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John who led the defence of Malta against the siege of the Turks. The failure of the Ottoman empire to seize Malta was a major factor that led to their final naval defeat in the Battle of Lepanto.
Money was poured into the Knights by grateful monarchs across Europe, leading to the creation of one of the first planned cities in Europe. Valletta is a compact city built on a hilly peninsula, consisting of honey coloured stone buildings interlaced with baroque churches, and despite severe damage by German bombing in World War II still remains very attractive and one of the most picturesque parts of Malta.
This is the main cathedral square:
Money was poured into the Knights by grateful monarchs across Europe, leading to the creation of one of the first planned cities in Europe. Valletta is a compact city built on a hilly peninsula, consisting of honey coloured stone buildings interlaced with baroque churches, and despite severe damage by German bombing in World War II still remains very attractive and one of the most picturesque parts of Malta.
This is the main cathedral square:
Tomorrow I fly back to England!
1 comment:
i wouldn't bother if i was you!
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