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Valletta, Malta

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Valletta

Introduction

Valletta is the capital city of Malta, located on the island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. It was founded by Knights of St. John in 1565 as a fortified settlement, named after Saint Thomas Becket, and has since become one of the most important cultural and historical centers in Europe.

Key Facts

  • Location: Valletta is situated on the southeastern coast of Malta, approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the capital city of Malta.
  • Population: As of 2020, the population of Valletta is around 3,000 people.
  • Area: The city covers an area of approximately 2 square kilometers (0.77 square miles).
  • Language: Maltese and English are official languages in Malta.
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Climate: Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Historical Context

Valletta's history dates back to the 14th century when it was a fortified settlement established by the Knights of St. John, who brought with them their architecture, art, and culture from Sicily. The city became an important center for trade and commerce in the Mediterranean during the Age of Exploration.

  • In 1530, the Knights took control of Valletta after a prolonged siege.
  • During the 16th century, the city underwent significant architectural transformations under the rule of the Grand Master of the Knights.
  • In the 17th century, Valletta became an important center for European powers, including France and Britain.

Significant Contributions

  • Architecture: Valletta is renowned for its unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, which reflects the city's rich cultural heritage.
  • Art: The city has a long tradition of producing famous Maltese artists, such as Anton Maria Aschieri and Pio Zani.
  • Cuisine: Maltese cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean flavors with local ingredients, reflecting the country's strategic location in the Middle East.

Notable Attractions

Historic Sites

  • St. John's Co-Cathedral
  • The Grand Master's Palace
  • The National Museum of Archaeology
  • The Knights' Hall

Cultural Events

  • Malta International Festival
  • Valletta International Arts Festival
  • Malta Music Festival

Natural Wonders

  • The Grand Harbour
  • Marsaxlokk Bay

Metadata:

  • Model: llama-3.2-1b-instruct
  • Generation time: 2024-11-01 19:12:58
  • Keywords: Valletta, Malta, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/valletta_malta