Malta | day 1: VALLETTA - TheOldNow Magazine

My out-of-office email message is on; I have packed, and the airplane has finally landed. Here I am in the beautiful Malta.
I couldn’t wait to come here; as soon as I arrived to my hotel I dropped my bags and started walking around the streets of Valletta!a: la Valletta!

Valletta has a very strong historical heritage; it was established in 1566 and – besides being a very colorful and unique city – it is officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO thanks to its unique history and architecture. The capital city is small, so it is perfect if you feel like walking around.

Maltese houses are adorable, featuring their typical wood and glass balconies. Walking around the streets of Valletta is a very charming experience. As the light changes its direction, it seems that buildings change their shape, facing towards the sea on the one hand, and stretching along a green and lush landscape on the other.

The city is characterized by its unique architecture. Some examples? Casa Rocca Piccola and Saint John’s Co-Cathedral: a mix of two completely different styles that blend into one single building. The cathedral’s interior is extremely ornate, reflecting a Baroque style. Its façade, on the contrary, is characterized by a very simple style. One of the most impressive features of this cathedral is “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” by Caravaggio. This work is widely considered to be Caravaggio’s masterpiece, as well as the only work that has been signed by the artist who received the honor of joining the Knights of Malta. The cathedral, indeed, was considered as a sacred place by the knights. Many members of aristocrat European families from the XVI, XVII, and XVIII centuries are buried here. The cathedral also contains the tomb of the Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Vallette, founder of Valletta. His tomb is located in the cathedral’s crypt – a quiet place far from the noises and movements of the city.