Things to see and do Valette

At the entrance to the old town, this superb house, in authentic Spanish style, is today the administrative residence of the Prime Minister. It has been home to the knights of Castile, Leon and Portugal, i.e. Portuguese and Spanish speaking knights. Designed by Gerolamo Cassar, like many other buildings, the hostel was originally built in Renaissance style, but the great master Pinto de Fonseca had a Baroque façade erected in the 18th century. It is the most representative building of the Knights' era.

This XVI century mansion was inhabited by the ninth marquis of Piro and his family. During the time of the knights, the residence was attached to the Italian language inn. It bears the name of its first owner, Don Pietro La Rocca, admiral of the Order of St. John. Today, it is the Marquise de Piro herself who gives a one-hour tour of the place.

The staircase. The two vertical paintings, The Invention of the Electric Light Bulb and The Mechanization of the Wheat Industry, were painted by Ramiro Raffaele Cali for Antonio Cassar Torregiani, the only industrialist to have lived in Casa Rocca Piccola.

The chapel, dating back to the ancestors of the Marquis, has an altarpiece painted by Pietro Paolo Caruana and showing the Virgin and Child venerated by Saint Gaetano. The treasure of the chapel includes some very beautiful pieces, donated by Popes Pius IX and Leo XII.

The room of the canopy bed. The canopy bed is that of the great-grandmother of the Marquis Orsola Agius Caruana. She gave birth to nine children here.

The green room. You will notice some picturesque details in the portraits: the little girl wearing a red bracelet for superstition, with mountains in the background, symbols of Sicily, because in Malta there are no mountains! You will also see the invitations for the coronations of George VI and Elizabeth II.

The library, with several paintings and portraits, including the watercolor of Louisa, daughter of the Marquis.

The Porphyry Room is named for its mural which imitates... porphyry (a volcanic stone). Its sixteenth-century beamed ceiling is the only one in the house that has remained intact. In this room there are several portraits of the Piro ancestors.

In the blue room, note a series of surgical instruments on the table. The blue room is also the television room (look carefully behind the panels).

The summer dining room makes you want to settle down and put the napkin on your lap, waiting for the gala meal suggested by a beautifully set table.

The Chinese room: several small vinaigrettes and other objects displayed in the Chinese showcase.

The archive room: a large collection of the family's historical documents is displayed here. They were recently organized by an Italian doctoral student.

The air raid shelters: in order to protect themselves from the bombings during the Second World War (Valletta was one of the hardest hit cities), the Piro's transformed their two wells into air raid shelters.

France has three languages represented in Birgu, with the Auberge de France, the Auberge de Provence and the Auberge d'Auvergne, all located in the Collachio district. The Auberge de France is one of the most beautiful in Birgu, with an elaborately decorated façade attributed to the architect Bartholomeo Menga.

The vestibule of this residence is modest in size, but its ceiling is Renaissance, and you'll reach a loggia via an attractive staircase. On the main door, you can see the original fleur-de-lys emblem.

After the knights left for Valletta, the inn became private property, then was used as a communal school at the start of the English occupation, then as a carpentry workshop, until it was finally declared state property.

During the Second World War, the Auberge de France in Valletta was destroyed, leaving the one in Birgu as the only Auberge de France in Malta. In 1980, a museum of political history was installed here. It failed to attract much interest and is now closed. The hostel now houses the local Council and hosts occasional thematic and art exhibitions.

The Auberge d'Italie is now home to the MUŻA (Muzew Nazzjonali tal-Arti għall-komunita' - National Museum of Community Art). Inaugurated in November 2018 and receiving its first visitors since December 2018, the MUŻA was one of the flagship projects of the Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture program, with the aim of appealing to all audiences and not just connoisseurs like the previous National Museum of Fine Arts. And it does so by allowing them to discover the richness of Malta's heritage and culture. Taking its name from the Maltese word for inspiration, it features a collection of over 20,000 works covering a very broad period from prehistory to modern and contemporary times. A visit to the MUŻA will also be an opportunity to see works by Mattia Preti, the Calabrian artist and knight of the Order of St. John who introduced the Baroque style to Malta; Victor Pasmore, one of the pioneers of British abstract art in the ^mid-20th century, who retired to Malta and left his mark; Antonio Sciortino, the celebrated ^{twentieth-century} Maltese sculptor, whose work reflects realism and futurism as well as the influence of Rodin; and Edward Caruana Dingli, a Maltese artist whose portraits and captures of life in Malta in the early ^twentieth century ensured his importance in the island's artistic development.

The building. Construction began at the end of the ^16th century. The Auberge d'Italie was the headquarters of the Italian knights of the Order of St. John. Its style was initially Mannerist. From the ^17th century onwards, the building underwent numerous modifications, with its last major renovation in 1680, giving it its Baroque character. As its style evolved, so did its functions. Having once served as the National Museum and the House of Justice, the Auberge d'Italie was long home to the Central Post Office, and until the end of 2016 it housed the Ministry of Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority. In order to house the MUŻA, the building has been carefully restored to highlight the various stages of its chronology. The main staircase, for example, has been rebuilt with contemporary materials to match current architectural trends, but remains the ghost of a past in the building's long history. The main courtyard has become a public space in its own right, allowing visitors to discover the beauty of this ancient building in the UNESCO city of Valletta.

Above the harbour, the Paceville district is THE lively corner of the island, with a concentration of party venues frequented by young Maltese and tourists alike. It's the place to be in the evening, especially at weekends. This urban development dates back to the mid-1980s, when Valletta's traditional Corso, where most of the island's entertainment took place, was abandoned. The district has a real attraction for the country's youth, as it's constantly on the move. As Maltese society changes and evolves with the times, restaurant, store and nightclub signs close, open or change frequently. You'll stroll from bar to club, as one after the other, they all compete with each other in boom-boom, colorful neon lights and terrace crowds. If you're a fan of cutting-edge music, be sure to pick your spots, as most of the bars and clubs play the summer's dance and techno hits over and over again. It seems that the trend in the area (and this is to be regretted) is the proliferation of "gentlemen's clubs", where men can do their business discreetly in full view of everyone...

Paceville is also known as one of the capital's residential districts. Here, you'll find a number of old houses dating from the 1920s, in the style of fine Italian lakeside residences, with Victorian balustrades and bow windows. The area has also seen the recent emergence of countless language schools. Their modern buildings have transformed certain streets (Triq Paceville in particular).

Its main attraction is the ultra-modern Bay Street shopping mall. It's even more stores, following the model set by Anglo-Saxon television. And all this while awaiting a more modern successor attraction.

The streets of Birgu are those of a Neapolitan village, with laundry hanging in the windows and a lively local life. Tourists are discreet. The town is also known for its inns. The first mention of these inns dates back to 1490 when the Order was still in Rhodes. When the Order arrived in Malta, it was in Birgu (or Vittoriosa) that it settled, finding houses that were easy to convert into inns for their various languages.

Calle de la Tramuntana (Triq it-Tramuntana) is a small street perpendicular to Calle Tabone that houses a building in the Sicilian-Norman style (or Chiaramonte) at number 11. Another building in the same style, The House of the Castellan, is located in the Fort St. Angelo.

The central square, Victory Square, has its small bars, its pastizzeria and its Band Club, the St. Lawrence. The latter is housed in a beautiful typical house with a carved wooden balcony, and its library is decorated with Maltese furniture. For the locals, this square is known as "Il-Pjazza". Its white statue of St. Lawrence dates from 1880. The Victory Monument, erected in 1705 under the Grand Master Perellos y Roccaful, commemorates the victory of the Great Siege of 1565. A stone crucifix recalls executions prior to the 16th century. The St. Lawrence Band Club is a building with an imposing facade that contains a musical archive. On October¹, the Birgu festival takes place in the square, and people parade in costume. On Easter Sunday, a statue of the Risen Jesus is carried through the streets... running.

Behind the Victory monument begins Saint Anthony Street, a Jewish ghetto dating from before the arrival of the Knights. From Victory Square, signs indicate the direction of the various Knights' inns, more or less well preserved (France, Provence, Auvergne, Castile and Portugal, England). Separated according to their language, they were grouped in a district called "Il Collachio", reserved for the Knights.

Opposite the oratory of St. Joseph, the oratory of the Holy Crucifix dates from 1721. The last battle of the Great Siege of 1565 took place in this small square; the ground was used as a burial ground for the victims. You can then walk down the steps to St. Lawrence Church, the largest in Birgu, which overlooks Dockyard Creek.

On the docks stands the church of Senglea. On the large mound planted with prickly pear trees, the bronze soldiers of the Freedom Monument commemorate the departure of the last British soldiers (31 March 1979).

Built in the th century, this beautiful red dome church is due to Tomasso Dingli. The towers appear in the th century.

Its current state is the consequence of three centuries of construction and evolution that make it a real work of art. It is also called "the sanctuary" and the Maltese have been on pilgrimage from all over the island.

From the ramparts, whose thickness can only impress, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Msida creek and Manoel Island with its military fort, and in the background, Sliema the modern city. It is recommended to come there at sunset because the view is magnificent. The garden has laurels, olive trees and rare plants recently introduced to Malta. A marble funerary monument is dedicated to the Marquis of Hastings, Viceroy of India until 1824, then Governor of the island from 1824 to 1826. He died on the boat taking him to Naples.

The capital's oldest church was built in 1566 by Jean de La Valette to commemorate the victory of the Great Siege of 1565. For many years, it was the city's parish church. The façade was completely rebuilt in the ^17th century. Visible above the entrance, the bust of Pope Innocent XI was donated by Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful, to thank the pontiff for settling his dispute with the Bishop of Malta. Indeed, the bishops of Malta - who represent religious power independently of the Order - are often in conflict with the latter. Like all Maltese churches, the interior of Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire is richly decorated with three altars, which have been undergoing renovation since 2011. For the record, Jean de La Valette was buried there after his death on August 22, 1568, and remained there for 11 years before being transferred to the co-cathedral of Saint-Jean.

This church is the church of the Catholic-Catholic community of the island. This community, which is now very small, was born in 1530 when the knights settled in Malta with 4 000 Greeks. The building was severely damaged by the bombing, but the famous icon (above the altar) fortunately survived. If you arrive at the right time, the old priest will organise a small visit (in French) and will reveal the secrets of the site.

Saint Paul is considered the spiritual father of the Maltese people, which is why this collegiate church is one of the most important in Malta. It was designed by Cassar in the 16th century and is one of the oldest in the city. It was modified by the architect Lorenzo Gafà in 1629, who added a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament. Of particular note is the gilded wooden statue of Saint Paul, which was made by Melchiorre Gafà, the brother of the architect Lorenzo. It is in fact this statue that is walked around the city on February 10th, the feast of Saint Paul. St. Paul is the patron saint of the city. In the year 60, he was shipwrecked in Malta where he stayed for three months. He succeeded in converting Governor Publius, making Malta one of the first Christian lands of the Roman Empire. The interior houses other beautiful artistic works such as the magnificent main altarpiece by Matteo Perez d'Aleccio or the altar painted by Antoine de Favray. The ceiling frescoes, which depict the saint's stay in Malta, are by Attilio Palombi. You will also appreciate the paintings of Giuseppe Cali, a Maltese painter born in the mid-19th century. You can admire the sacred objects in gold or silver, the most remarkable piece of which is an 18th century silver throne, sometimes placed next to the altar. Finally, the church houses two precious relics, the bone of Saint Paul's left wrist and a piece of the column on which he was beheaded.

Led by the Dominican brothers, it is built on the site of a th century church. Completely destroyed during the war, it was rebuilt in 1960. Saint-Dominique, celebrated on the second Sunday in August, is one of the most important celebrations of Birgu.

In the city centre, a classic building dating back to 1796 with columns. Here, all the Order's administrative documents are archived from 1107 to 1798. The amateurs can see the evidence of the districts of nobility of the knights (the Processi Nobili), the Charter of the gift of the island to the Order by Charles Quint where his seal is affixed, the Charter of 1107 granted to Baudouin I, King of Jerusalem, as well as most of the records of meetings of the Knights in the th century. In all, about 4 million documents.

At the end of the esplanade stands the most visible and imposing building in Floriana: the parish church of St. Publius.It was built in honour of Publius, governor of Malta during the Roman period. The latter had been converted to Christianity by St. Paul, then a prisoner, in 60 AD. He later became the first bishop of Malta and died as a martyr in Athens. He was chosen as patron saint by the people of Floriana who decided to build a church. The first stone was laid in 1733 by Grand Master A. de Vilhena. The nave was not completed until 1792. In 1844 Floriana became a parish. Two new wings were added, as well as the columned portico in 1890. The church also has a dome and two bell towers housing six bells, the largest of which was cast in Naples. The building was severely damaged during the Second World War and was quickly restored to its original appearance thanks to an almost immediate reconstruction. Its façade is composed of a neoclassical portico topped by a triangular pediment, and a statue of Christ stands at the top of the façade. Inside there is an altarpiece by Antoine de Favray, completed by his pupil Filippo Vicenzo Pace, which relates the martyrdom of Saint Publius. Other paintings depict the shipwreck of Saint Paul and his stay on the island. You can also admire the statue of Saint Publius, dating from 1811 and work of the sculptor Vincenzo Dimech, which is carried during the annual procession.

This small, almost island-like protrusion (a bridge spans the narrow sea channel) separates Sliema Creek and Lazaretto Creek. The Maltese call it "Il-gzira" (the island). In 1643, Grand Master Lascaris set up a lazaretto, an asylum for the sick and victims of epidemics, taking advantage of its relative isolation. In 1746, Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena had a fort built there, which was named Fort Manoel in his honor, and which gave its name to the island, the eighth in the Maltese archipelago. The fort, with its impressively thick walls, was built around a huge parade ground. It was surrounded by barracks for 500 men and embellished by the chapel of Saint-Antoine (dedicated to Saint-Antoine de Padoue) and a bronze statue of the great master. Unfortunately, the chapel and other buildings were destroyed by bombing during the last war, and the statue was moved to Floriana. The chapel was rebuilt. Today, the fort no longer has a military role and is partly home to the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Manoel Island has undergone major transformations (work began in 2013), which have enabled the site to play a prestigious role, giving it a power of attraction worthy of its privileged location. At the entrance to the island, after the bridge and opposite the soccer pitch, an amusing "duck village" has been created. Beach, river, bridge, individual or collective dwellings and old boats are reserved for the ducks, geese and other birds that have made their home here.

One of the world's most impressive collections, with 5,000 items ranging from the ^16th to the ^18th century: armor, swords, daggers and weapons of all kinds. The room on the left contains crossbows, a few suits of armor, a cannon balance weighing up to 3 tons, as well as cannons and their cannonballs. Unusually, the cannonballs are larger than the calibers of their barrels. The room on the right is mainly devoted to armor, which became the property of the Order after the death of a knight. Complete suits of armor by several great masters can be admired, including that of Alof de Wignacourt and Jean Parisot de La Valette, founder of the city. Some are beautifully crafted; others bear the marks of battle.

Fully restored, it is now used as a library. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this magnificent residence, which was donated to the English language in May 1535 by Sir Clement. If you have the time, head up to the roof, not for the view but for the pleasure of climbing one of the old, narrow Maltese staircases.

Since its reopening on February 9, 2024, it has been presenting a temporary exhibition that will be on view for a year. Entitled Une île à la croisée des chemins (An island at the crossroads ), it aims to shed light on the identity of this island nation over the centuries. The exhibition includes a year-long program of activities: conferences, events on the history of taste, educational programs for children... You'll even have the chance to spend a night inside the Maritime Museum, as it is spread throughout the museum. In fact, after several years of closure, which led to substantial restoration and revitalization of the museum, partly financed by EEE Norway grants, you'll once again be able to contemplate all the museum's riches. The story told by this museum is based on a series of eclectic objects, all indelibly linked to the history of Malta. And each telling the story of how religions, cultures and nations have clashed or even coexisted on a rock, a surrounding sea, and an ever-smaller world. We'll discover how an existing anchorage from Roman antiquity is linked to the local faith and cultural memory of the community, how the lives of men and women in Malta depended mainly on privateer incursions, their activities portrayed in local folk tales, and how, in the last century, the search for a state was accompanied by great economic anxiety.

This fort divides the district of Sliema into two distinct waterfronts: the first, which faces the ancient city of Valletta, and the second which faces the sea in the direction of St Julian's. A large shopping centre bearing this name has been integrated into the fortified historic point, which has been fitted out with luxurious accommodation and a pleasant promenade facing the old town. On the way, you will notice the small building of the former seawater distillery dating from 1881. It ends at the famous Dragut Point. During the Great Siege of 1565, it was here that the great Turkish chieftain (called Dargut) lost his life, wounded by a shrapnel, while he and his men tried to seize the Saint-Elme fort opposite, which was done three days after his death. In 1792, the French grandmaster Rohan-Polduc and his teammate, Knight De Tigné, reinforced the defence of this point by building the fort named after the knight. This will be the last great fort built by the knights. Doubling the cannons of Fort Saint-Elme, it provided an interesting crossfire for the defence of the port and the capital. During Napoleon's invasion of Malta, it will be one of the rare places of resistance, it will briefly serve as a garrison for the French forces before falling into the hands of Maltese insurgents. The guns of Fort Tigné were also used by the English to attack Valletta. When they left in 1979, it was used for a time as a desalination plant before being restored.

It was first called Piazza del Tesoro , Treasure Square, since the treasure of the Order of St. John was located in this square, and then Queen's Square, after the installation in the 19th century of a statue of Queen Victoria. Today it is overrun by the shady terrace of the Caffè Cordina, installed in the 18th century building that served as the treasury of the Order of St. John and whose vaulted ceilings are decorated with frescoes by Giuseppe Cali. Here you can have a drink in the shade of the statue of Queen Victoria.

After much controversy, since its construction required EUR 90 million, this new Parliament was inaugurated in May 2015. Its façade features more than 7 000 blocks of ochre globigerine stone in harmony with the surrounding Baroque buildings, alternating with reflective mirrors that shine in the sun and help to regulate the building's energy consumption. After prior booking, you can discover the interior and complete the visit with the Museum of Maltese History and Political Development.

It is located in the old town of Birgu. It is a unique building that housed the Inquisitor and the Apostolic Delegate for over two centuries, as Malta presented a singular scene in which the Inquisitors assumed their dual role as supreme judges of the Holy Office and Apostolic Delegates representing the Vatican's interests in Malta. Between 1574 and 1798, this palace served as the perfect theater for an ecclesiastical diplomat, a sophisticated residence and a court with an austere penitentiary complex for the inquisitor. Today, it is the only inquisitor's palace still open to the public. The building's origins can be traced back to the Knights of the Order of St. John, who, when settling in Birgu, adapted the existing buildings to establish their administrative center, including the former Magna Curia Castellania, in the north-western quarter of the present site. Following the Order's move to the new city of Valletta, the Castellania passed to the Inquisition, triggering an organic growth that spread into adjacent buildings until it reached its current footprint in the 1650s. Various Inquisitors undertook embellishment projects to transform the building into a palazzo romano typical of the dignitaries of Baroque Rome. This culminated in a major project undertaken by Inquisitor Francesco Stoppani in 1733 and 1734 to plans by the resident high-Baroque architect Romano Carapecchia. From then on, the stage was set and subsequent changes were mainly associated with use brought in by the new residents. Administered by Heritage Malta, the site is both a historic house museum and a national museum of ethnography.
The current experience is constantly being improved, but one can still enjoy a walk through three distinct sections, the domestic space and kitchen on the first floor, and the piano nobile, which includes both formal rooms and private quarters spanning two floors. The third part of the visitor experience concerns the spaces belonging to the Holy Office itself, including the tribunal room, the torture chamber and the penitentiary complex. The museum experience is rounded off by an emphasis on an outreach program packed with events and educational sessions, themselves linked to the religious ethnographic exhibits.

The Malta Tourism Authority is the government body responsible for promoting tourism in Malta. Malta offers many tourist attractions, including beaches, churches and famous film locations such as Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Finally, Malta has a strong focus on sustainability, with its remarkable natural parks and sustainable local products.

The Malta Film Commission is the tourist office of Malta, a Mediterranean island south of Italy. Their site offers a wealth of information for travelers interested in Malta's film industry.

The university looked after the importation of wheat and its distribution according to the needs of the city. Built in 1538, this building will place the seat of the university until the conquest of Malta by the British.

Near the square, you can stop off at St. Joseph's Oratory, an ^18th-century chapel run by two charming pensioners. La Valette is said to have come here to pray just before the Great Siege. Here you can see his battle sword and hat. This fighting sword should not be confused with the jeweled sword offered by Philip II of Spain as a reward for his courage, now on display in the Louvre. In the oratory, you'll find a portrait of La Valette, attributed to one of Caravaggio's pupils. The master may have made a few alterations.

Still in the oratory, enthusiasts will find ex-votos, religious paintings, cherubs, crucifixes, bells, as well as candlesticks that once belonged to the Order, the flags of the various inns and letters from knights written to their mothers asking for money! You'll also be interested in a card game dating back to 1609, with which the knights played on the galleys. Very long silver scissors enabled the priest to bring plague victims to communion without having to go near them. Magnificent flags from the old inns are also on display.

Built in 1531, he is the first hospital run by the knights. In 1652 it was given to the Benedictine people who still occupy it today. The chapel of the Order of the Order, of which Lorenzo Gafà drew up the plans in 1672, has an altar painted by Mattia Preti. Do not confuse this hospital, with the Sacra Infermeria in Valletta, built in 1604 and became the Mediterranean conference centre.

It's home to the world's biggest cannon! In fact, one of two 100-ton cannons built by the British army; the second is in Gibraltar.

With its 10 m length and 44 cm calibre, the machine could send a one-ton projectile over 5 km and pierce up to 50 cm of armour. The tour includes a look at the warehouses where these giant "munitions" are stored, and an explanation of how the cannon is loaded.

Shaped like a pentagon, Fort Rinella was built between 1878 and 1886 and dismantled in 1906. It is one of the many forts built in Malta under Queen Victoria in the ^19th century to reinforce Malta's defenses.

Every afternoon at 2.30pm, a historical re-enactment brings the cannon and its Victorian garrison to life. A museum has been set up inside the fort, featuring military costumes and period furniture.

On the peninsula behind Kalkara and opposite Fort Saint-Elme stands Fort Ricasoli, which played an important role during the Great Siege (the great battle against the Turks in 1565).

Designed by military architect Maurizio Valperga, its construction was financed by Italian master Giovanni Francesco Ricasoli (hence the fort's name). Grandmaster N. Cottoner then had the Saint-Nicolas chapel built in the courtyard. Its altar is decorated by Mattia Preti.

The fort was subsequently extended and strengthened according to the needs of the time.

During the ^19th century, the English built numerous casemates, installed modern cannons and barracks for their soldiers. In 1870, the fort was defended by 700 men and 100 artillery pieces. It also played an important role during the Second World War, coming under frequent German attack. Bombs destroyed the Canonniers' house and the Baroque gate.

After the war, the fort became a barracks. Today, it is used as an oil terminal; hence the view of the dumps and the smell of fuel oil. To the right, on the other hand, you come to the forts of Saint-Rocco and Rinella, from which you can see the sea.

Originally designed to accommodate orphans, this large building is now held by Dominican sisters.

A small museum worth seeing. Among the interesting exhibits: votive paintings made by sailors to thank the Virgin Mary for protecting them at sea, old religious objects (sedan chairs, for example), ship models, the Vulcan XM645 memorial, a knight's full suit of armor, and various interesting paintings by famous Maltese and foreign painters.

The very massive St James Tower (th century), once abandoned, now houses a very interesting cultural centre. The capital thus has an indispensable tool for its radiation. This also shows how the remains of the past, many in the country, can be usefully rehabilitated. And it's very successful. Temporary exhibitions of photographs, paintings, ceramics and various other forms of art (theatre) are held in beautiful vaulted, clear, spacious and beautifully renovated rooms. And if you are not interested in exhibitions, you can only go to the building, its architecture, its rehabilitation. Concerts, often free of charge, take place. And a cinema offers recent or old films, thematic festivals. Meetings are held in the evening only at € 5. A programme of exhibitions and events is available at the entrance or the tourist office. There is also a large souvenir shop, a bar with terrace and a nice restaurant offering some Maltese specialities.

Its exact origin is unknown. It is enlarged in 1615 and then rebuilt in 1861, when the dome is added. It is now a place of religious education for children.

This is the residence of chaplains during the reign of the Order. They, often councillors of great masters and knights, have the role of writing correspondence and treaties.

It was built in 1571 by the Knights of Saint John and renovated in 1765. Despite this restoration, most of the works of art that lie inside the church date from the church of origin.

Designed by Francesco Buonamici, it was founded by the Jesuits in 1592 to teach philosophy, literature and theology. The Jesuits were expelled from the island by the great master Emmanuel Pinto de Fonseca and recalled under the English occupation. The university then became public, and medicine and surgery were also taught there. By its shape and ornaments, it reminds us of the Jesuit church in Rome, and contains many paintings and liturgical objects. Today it is the setting for the solemn ceremonies of the University of Malta.

It was built in 1598 and completed in the 17th century by the great master Gregorio Carfa, whose coat of arms adorns the façade. The side extension is designed in 1920 by the Maltese architect E. Borg. This church is one of the first in the country to have designed the interior in the Baroque style. Paintings by Mattia Preti, Pietro Galiardi and Filippo Paladini can be seen here. Its dry, classical façade blends discreetly into the major axis that is Republic Street.

In the street of the same name (part of Victory Square), this church, built in 1651, then enlarged and expanded in 1779, was severely damaged in 1940. It will be restored in 1949.

This church was originally the church of a religious school for girls opened in 1692 by a Maltese Jesuit. Orphans or girls were placed in poor families.

Located rue de la Tour Saint-Jean, it has experienced many uses: it served as a warehouse, a hospital and a military district during the British period. It is located close to the two major defensive towers, the Saint James Tower and the Saint John Tower. From the terrace of the Saint James Tower, you will have a superb view of the nearby village Kalkara and Fort Ricasoli.

Without special interest, this door at the centre of the roundabout is the main curiosity of the city. Built in 1798, it bears the name of the last great master of Malta. The city pays tribute to its benefactor.

Behind Paceville, this bay has a beautiful beach, unfortunately very dirty in summer: the gossip is all over the sand, even if the place is monitored and large panels encourage to keep the place clean. The swimming pool is moderately pleasant, especially since the beach is small and quickly crowded in summer. It is also the trend beach where we must be seen: Pretty girls and beautiful boys at sight.

You access St George's Bay on foot through the discotheques, then descending the stairs to Baystreet, the big shopping mall that transformed the bay. A leisure complex recently added to the shopping center (cinemas, IMAX, rink, bowling) and the very large and luxurious Intercontinental Hotel. If the replacement of this hotel by another large emirati hotel complex is now forgotten, another hotel project is now being debated: the construction of a concept of rock coffee which would come to the place occupied by the building of the school of tourism. The project still divides many but the fate of the school of tourism is already sealed, she will join Smartville.

This is the first bay from Sliema. There are a few hotels on the seafront, and at the back of the bay there are small restaurants that spread their terraces on the square in summer. You will of course notice the swimming pool of the local water polo club. You will not be surprised to see sometimes a huge Belgian flag which colours the bay with its three colours. It is not that of a Belgian protectorate but the colours of the St Julian Aquatic Club. It is dominated by the church of the Carmelites and by a superb building with vast niches on the façade.

The Three Cities tour is a real phenomenon. It's easy to see why: you climb aboard an electric golf cart limited to 20 km/h, and the tour of the Three Cities on quiet roads begins. Guided by a voice-activated GPS in French along a pre-planned route, you'll learn all about the history, cultural points of interest and recommended stopping points. If you take a wrong turn, a Minion will call out in song; children will love it. Photos can be taken at any time along the way. Complimentary bottle of water.

Located near the Grand Master's Palace and the Church of Our Lady of Damascus, this new Postal Museum was inaugurated with great pomp and circumstance in 2016. Housed in a mid-20th century house, designed by architect Giuseppe Cachia Caruana and completely renovated, it provides an insight into the historical role played by the Post in Malta since the 16th century. For example, you can admire the first Maltese stamp with the yellow Halpenny; a letter signed by Lord Nelson; a poignant love letter from an Italian in prison during the war and an impressive collection of stamps by Emvin Cremona, the very famous red motorbike of the Maltese postmen, the "James Captain", etc. Two galleries offer a temporary exhibition of photographs by Richard Ellis, the other one offers a presentation of the work of Emvin Cremona, considered by all to be one of the greatest Maltese artists of the 20th century. Note that it is possible to go on a treasure hunt (all different if you are 8, 15 or even 40 years old) within the museum which makes it very fun for those who are not passionate about stamps. The children are crazy about it because they have a reserved space where they can put on the postman's uniform or design their own stamp. In the shop area you can personalise everything: colourful cards, stationery, stamps and even the mascot specially created by the museum, Peppi Pustier. You will be able to put your personal holiday photos or any other image you like on these objects.

Parallel to the Mall, the large rectangular esplanade facing St. Publius Church is known as The Granaries. Indeed, this area is characterized by the presence of 76 underground bell-shaped grain silos, dug out in the ^17th century and used as storage facilities during wars and sieges. Their presence is indicated on the surface by large circular stones, a kind of cut column, which form the upper part of the pillars holding the entire structure together (and which are sometimes used as picnic tables in summer). Still in use during the Second World War, and although still functional, they have been replaced by more modern silos. Today, the esplanade itself is a major venue for religious (Saint Publius Day), political, commemorative and festive events (funfairs). A monument to Grand Master A. de Vilhena lines the esplanade. It is surrounded by the Catholic Institute, and the Middleseahouse, once used as a market (and grain trade). The latter hosted a meeting between Roosevelt and Stalin prior to the Yalta summit.

You will notice the beautiful, finely carved columns still standing and the stairs at the entrance of the former "Opera House". Built in 1866 in a neoclassical style by the English architect Edward Middleton Barry (known for the Covent Garden Theatre in London), it was almost completely disintegrated under German bombs during the Second World War. Without altering the site, an open-air amphitheatre was redeveloped. Named Pjazza Teatru Rjal (Royal Theatre Square) and inaugurated in August 2013. It hosts many performances.

The coastline along the districts of Sliema and St Julian's offers many rocky walls that have been built to allow you to take a dip. Sometimes with Valletta as a backdrop, just a stone's throw from the traffic. This beach has the peculiarity of being watched over by lifeguards and the great originality of this rocky part is that it preserves old saltworks that have been converted into natural swimming pools. It is really worth the detour and the photo. Other spots in Sliema: Fort Tigné, Qui si-Sana, Għar id-Dud and Exiles.

Featuring interactive museology, it will enable you to discover the evolution of Malta's fortifications. Located in rue Saint-Marc, it aims to explore the evolution of Malta's fortresses throughout the island's history, and to bring to life a vanished world in order to better understand the different stages of the island's fortifications and the defense strategies implemented by its administrators throughout its history.

Why not take advantage of your stay in Malta to discover its larger neighbor, Sicily? An island that, on a clear day, you'll surely have flown over before arriving in Malta. This company proposes a day of discovery with the following key points: departure by catamaran from Valletta, arrival in Pozzallo, a small fishing village, then a visit by coach to set course for Mount Etna (Silvestri craters), lunch, then discovery of Syracuse and Greek culture in Sicily. Stop-offs to sample wines and honey-almond sweets.