Detailed Overview
If this is your first tour of Malta’s capital city, you’re starting at the right spot. You’ll be meeting your tour guide at the entrance of the Valletta, close to the New Parliament structure. It’s all about stepping into history on a comprehensive tour of the city of Valletta, where our tour guide will personally indicate the major sights and even the hidden gems.
This walking tour kicks off at the City Gate, a symbol of old and new, before heading to the striking New Parliament building, a gem of contemporary architecture which is a clear indication that Valletta is a lively city and a modern hub. On our walking tour, we will check out the Auberge de Castille, a historic building characterized by a grand and ornate Baroque façade dating back from the times of the Knights.
We’ll visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a beautifully-laid out garden and belvedere located on Valletta’s fortified walls. From here we can gaze out on the unique view of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.
Our walk will take us through Valletta’s charming squares and grid-laid streets and we will come across the Auberge d’Italia, the official residence of the Italian Knights. We will find out way to Merchants’ Street and Republic Street, bustling with shops, cafes and other historical landmarks. Our journey will also lead us to the more tranquil St. Paul’s Street, home to various typical trade shops.
The heart of Valletta is without doubt Palace Square and here we can admire the majestic Grand Master’s Palace, once the seat of power for the knights and the governor’s palace during British rule. Our walking tour will also take us to the Castellania Palace, which served as a courthouse and prison in the times of the Knights.
Another hallmark site is the awe-inspiring St. John’s Co-Cathedral. This gem of architecture, has an exterior that is typical of the Mannerist style used by its architect Girolamo Cassar but it houses a surprising Baroque interior.
By the end of our sightseeing and walking tour, you’ll have gained a deep understanding of Valletta’s rich history and layout, that will provide you with the perfect orientation to continue your adventure, exploring this enchanting city on your own.
