What you can’t miss in Valletta in Malta
Of course, Valletta is worth visiting, with its characteristic historic centre and numerous attractions. However, be aware that during certain times of the year, many activities in the historic centre may be closed.
Valletta City Gate and Renzo Piano’s work
Once you get to the central bus station, right at the entrance of the City Gate, the large square (opening in front of you) exhibits (in all its beauty) the impressive “Triton Fountain”. Beautiful in daylight, even more at night, since it’s cleverly lit.
The monumental entrance to the city has been created by the world-famous Genoese architect Renzo Piano in contemporary style. Also the alleys and gardens below are part of his project.
What else to see and do in one day in Valletta?
Upper Barrakka Gardens
If you need a short rest, they are a small paradise, with their well-kept gardens, their fountain and (plenty of) benches.
There’s a kiosk selling soft drinks and ice-creams.
If you move towards the terrace overlooking the sea, still in Valletta (Malta), you can enjoy the daily gun salute ceremonial at midday and at 4:00 p.m. on the “Saluting Battery” (the terrace below).
National Museum of Archeology
The National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta is one of Malta’s main museums, located in an elegant Renaissance building.
The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts that tell the long history of the island, from prehistory to the Roman period.
Among its most significant pieces are the stone statues of the “Venus of Ä gantija,” ancient megalithic temples, and Phoenician and Punic artifacts.
The museum offers a fascinating overview of the cultures and civilizations that have shaped Malta over the centuries.
It’s rich with archeological finds dating back to the Neolithic, pottery, jewellery, coins, statues of all dimensions and beautifully modelled figurines, among which the most precious is by far “The Sleeping Lady”, a 12-centimetre artifact of a recumbent woman. The museum is really worth a visit.
Opening Hours:
March to December: daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
January and February: daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1
Adults: €5
Ages 12 to 17 and over 60: €3.50
Ages 6 to 11: €2.50
St John’s Co-Cathedral
In the very heart of the capital, it appears to the viewer with a simple facade but it holds its unique treasures in the stunning, extremely ornate interior, which is reputed to be one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture in Europe.
The huge central nave, the two side naves and the Maltese limestone walls, richly decorated and extensively inlaid, are painted in gold.
A barrel ceiling is a masterpiece of frescoes and the floor is covered with marble tombstones belonging to the famous Knights of Malta.
The oratory holds two real gems: The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Jerome Writing, both by Caravaggio.
DISCOVER HERE all the activities of this particular island
Chinese Garden of Serenity
The Chinese Garden of Serenity is in Santa Luċija.
Rocks, water and vegetation make up this little Chinese world. The extremely well kept and orderly gardens interspersed with statues representing moments of daily life in China, together with the pond and the small waterfall, convey peace and serenity.
For a while, you feel like being on the other side of the planet – ideal for taking a break from chaotic Malta.