- Valletta is Port city and capital of the Island of Malta.
- The city is located on the Sciberras peninsular between two harbors, Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour.
History
- The Port of Valletta, also known as the Grand Harbour, is a strategic location that has been the site of many sea battles over the centuries.
- The Roman Navy had a base at Marsa Roman Port which was located at the end of the Grand Harbour in Valletta, but its history is unknown.
- Between 1530-1560, the Knights of St. John rebuilt the castle of Fort St. Angelo and added Forts and Fortifications.
- In 1565, the Ottoman Empire conducted the Great Siege of Malta which lasted for four months, but was unsuccessful due to the fortifications.
- The Knights of St. John ruled Malta between 1530-1798, after which it was briefly controlled by the French Fleet under Napoleon Bonaparte between 1798-1800.
- Between 1800-1967, Malta was the Base for the British Navy Mediterranean Fleet.
Museums
- National Archeological Museum of Malta
- Contains a model of the Hypogeum of Malta.
- ‘The Sleeping Lady’ Neolithic Goddess reclining figurine, from the Hypogeum.
- Cippi of Melqart
Nearby Sites
Other Sites of Interest
- ‘Clapham Junction’
- An area of ancient cart tracks cut in the limestone.
- St. Agatha’s Tower
- also known as the Red Tower, Mellieha, with views of Malta, Gozo and Comino from the Roof.
- Port of Valletta or the Grand Harbour
- Valetta was the home port of the Order of St. John between 1530-1798 CE.
- After the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 by the Ottoman Empire, the Harbour Docks, Wharves, Waterfronts and Forts were either rebuilt or added to, which is the dramatic view which greets visitors today.
Valletta, Malta