La Valletta, the capital city of Malta, was built in the 16th Century by the Knights of Saint John. The city was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980.
A lighthouse at the entry to the Port of La Valletta
A lighthouse at the entry to the Port of La Valletta
The old and the new. On the left are fortifications built by the Knights of Saint John (aka Knights of Malta).
The old and the new. On the left are fortifications built by the Knights of Saint John (aka Knights of Malta).
Having entered the harbor, we are approaching the dock
Having entered the harbor, we are approaching the dock
Fortifications of the city of La Valletta. This section of the fortifications housed the War Rooms used by the Allies in World War II. Later we will tour the War Rooms.
Fortifications of the city of La Valletta. This section of the fortifications housed the War Rooms used by the Allies in World War II. Later we will tour the War Rooms.
Just before we docked at this location
Just before we docked at this location
The modern tower is an elevator that goes from the top of the fortifications to sea level.
The modern tower is an elevator that goes from the top of the fortifications to sea level.
A view from the dock to the harbor entry
A view from the dock to the harbor entry
The Maltese Falcon? Our walking tour of La Valletta begins.
The Maltese Falcon? Our walking tour of La Valletta begins.
Malta was granted independence from Great Britain in 1964.
Malta was granted independence from Great Britain in 1964.
The Triton Fountain, outside the Valletta City Gate
The Triton Fountain, outside the Valletta City Gate
A moat-like fortification on the inland side of La Valletta. We are on the bridge that leads to the main square.
A moat-like fortification on the inland side of La Valletta. We are on the bridge that leads to the main square.
We have just crossed the 'moat', over the bridge and through this gate to arrive at the palazzo in front of the Malta Parliament House. La Valletta is the capital of Malta.
We have just crossed the 'moat', over the bridge and through this gate to arrive at the palazzo in front of the Malta Parliament House. La Valletta is the capital of Malta.
Malta became a Republic in 1974, ten years after independence from Great Britain. This is the Maltese Parliament House (built 2011 - 2015, Renzo Piano, architect)
Malta became a Republic in 1974, ten years after independence from Great Britain. This is the Maltese Parliament House (built 2011 - 2015, Renzo Piano, architect)
Entering the main street of La Valletta from the plaza in front of the Parliament House
Entering the main street of La Valletta from the plaza in front of the Parliament House
A recommended gelato shop. It was good, but not as good as Bontà Gelato in Bend, Oregon!
A recommended gelato shop. It was good, but not as good as Bontà Gelato in Bend, Oregon!
Saint John's Co-Cathedral - Interior photos, including photos of two Caravaggio paintings, are in another photo album.
Saint John's Co-Cathedral - Interior photos, including photos of two Caravaggio paintings, are in another photo album.
Saint John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta - Visitor's entrance
Saint John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta - Visitor's entrance
The National Library of Malta with a statue of Queen Victoria located on Republic Square
The National Library of Malta with a statue of Queen Victoria located on Republic Square
Signs of the history with Great Britain
Signs of the history with Great Britain
Saint George's Square
Saint George's Square
The Palace Armory is located on Saint George's Square
The Palace Armory is located on Saint George's Square
The gate with the guards on either side is the entrance to the Palace Armory.
The gate with the guards on either side is the entrance to the Palace Armory.
Courtyard inside the entrance gate to the Palace Armory
Courtyard inside the entrance gate to the Palace Armory
A plaque in the courtyard
A plaque in the courtyard
A sculpture in the courtyard
A sculpture in the courtyard
Casa Rocca Piccola is a 16th Century Palace of a Maltese Noble Family
Casa Rocca Piccola is a 16th Century Palace of a Maltese Noble Family
An outdoor courtyard within Casa Rocca Piccola
An outdoor courtyard within Casa Rocca Piccola
Family portraits
Family portraits
The Noble Monica de Piro d'Amico - 1909-2004
The Noble Monica de Piro d'Amico - 1909-2004
With our guided tour over, we explored the streets of La Valletta on a stroll back to the ship for our final night aboard.
With our guided tour over, we explored the streets of La Valletta on a stroll back to the ship for our final night aboard.
The Opera House was destroyed by bombing during World War II. Rather than rebuilding, it serves as both a memorial and an outdoor performance venue.
The Opera House was destroyed by bombing during World War II. Rather than rebuilding, it serves as both a memorial and an outdoor performance venue.
We enjoyed the architecture of the Parliament House and captured photos from many angles.
We enjoyed the architecture of the Parliament House and captured photos from many angles.
Francesco Laparelli - Girolamo Cassar
Francesco Laparelli - Girolamo Cassar
This tells about the sculpture in the previous photo.
This tells about the sculpture in the previous photo.
We did ride this elevator back to the dock.
We did ride this elevator back to the dock.
The harbor and its fortifications
The harbor and its fortifications
The plaques on the base of this statue read: 'Lord Strickland G.C.M.G - Count Della Catena - 1861 - 1940'
The plaques on the base of this statue read: 'Lord Strickland G.C.M.G - Count Della Catena - 1861 - 1940'
A bust placed in honor of Winston Churchill
A bust placed in honor of Winston Churchill
Le Bougainville in port at La Valletta, Malta
Le Bougainville in port at La Valletta, Malta
Port-side buildings
Port-side buildings
Le Bougainville in port at La Valletta, Malta
Le Bougainville in port at La Valletta, Malta
A sculpture outside the walled city of La Valletta near the gate that leads to the War Rooms
A sculpture outside the walled city of La Valletta near the gate that leads to the War Rooms
Entering the Lascaris War Rooms, used by the Allies in World War II
Entering the Lascaris War Rooms, used by the Allies in World War II
We stayed after our formal tour of the War Rooms to revisit many of the displays in more detail. When we left we got 'lost' in the quiet solitude at the bottom of the 'moat'.
We stayed after our formal tour of the War Rooms to revisit many of the displays in more detail. When we left we got 'lost' in the quiet solitude at the bottom of the 'moat'.
Finding our way back to street level, we found decorations had appeared for a weekend celebration.
Finding our way back to street level, we found decorations had appeared for a weekend celebration.
