Valletta

All along we had decided on a visit to Valletta, but the day we went we did on the spur of the moment. We get very restless sometimes and just cannot sit by a pool all day, so this day we got in a taxi and headed for Valletta.

We we were dropped off just outside, you enter through the city gate. Driving is almost impossible in the city as there are many narrow streets and streets of stairs. We made our way to what could be said the main square. We took a drink just outside the Bibliotheca, a grand building, built in the late 18Th century. The building houses rare and priceless works, with a small section on display in the main hall. We also passed St John's Cathedral, which was absolutely packed with tourists, so we decided to visit the Palace of the Grand Masters. This was the official residence of the Grand Masters up until 1798 when it went on to become the home of Malta's parliament.

The Grand Masters were Knights who were given the islands by Charles V of Spain in 1530. The palace houses portraits of the Grand Masters and European monarchs, beautiful furniture and art. You can visit several rooms, including the small council chamber, the throne room, the hall of the ambassadors, the yellow state room and the armoury. At the entrance you are given a recording which is included in the entrance fee, it tells you the history and interesting information.

We found the armoury the most interesting as it houses armour, weaponry, etc...

It felt like a worthwhile visit.

After leaving the Palace, we hired a horse and carriage which took us on a tour of the city. This way you can visit at your leisure without being too overcome by the heat. The driver was very useful in his knowledge as well. We took in the city walls, the grand harbour, fort St Elmo, the gardens and the narrow streets.

Valletta is a very imposing city which still remained whole after intensive bombing during World War two, Malta experienced over 6000 tonnes of bombs falling in one month! In 1942, April 15Th, the people and the island of Malta were awarded the George Cross for gallantry by King George VI.

Valletta is a must when visiting this island.