Our guided tour of Valletta's vibrant streets will allow you to discover the enchanting beauty and distinctive charm of Malta's capital city, a fortified city built by the Knights of St. John in 1566.
The Order of the Knights of St. John ruled over the islands for 268 years and left a unique cultural and architectural legacy, of which Valletta is the prime example. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, and with a history spanning almost 5 centuries, it is regarded by many as an open-air museum!
With its imposing fortifications and bastions, amazing baroque palaces, marvellous churches, gorgeous gardens, and beautiful architecture ranging from mid-16th-century baroque to modernism, Valletta is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary and charming cities you will ever visit.
During our tour, we will walk through the bustling streets of Valletta, admiring the stunning buildings (some dating back to the 16th century) and the distinctive architecture of the city. The city is baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical, and Modern architecture. A visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens is a must; here we can enjoy breath-taking views of the imposing Grand Harbour.
Then we will visit the marvellous co-cathedral dedicated to St. John the Baptist (optional visit), built by the Order of the Knights of St. John soon after the Great Siege of 1565 and completed in the year 1577. It is unquestionably one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.
Here you will be able to appreciate and admire all its riches: the adorned interiors, carved stone walls, painted vaulted ceilings, beautiful paintings, precious relics, rich baroque art, and opulent altars.
One of the most remarkable features of the cathedral is the impressive marble floor, which is composed of nearly 400 tombstones of knights and officers of the Order. Each tombstone is inlaid with a coloured marble slab bearing the crest, coat of arms, and epitaph of the noble knight or high-ranking officer.
Amongst other valuable artworks, the cathedral also houses 'The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist' by renowned artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, which is regarded as one of his greatest masterpieces and is the only work signed by the painter.
Before the end of our half-day tour, we will enjoy a must-see audio-visual show. Educational, informative, and entertaining, the show runs through the turbulent history of a small island nation that has overcome almost unimaginable odds to survive and prosper. The audio-visual show will enrich your understanding of the islands, their people, and their rich history through beautiful imagery and gripping commentary.
During the whole tour, our knowledgeable and experienced guides will provide you with riveting information and enhance your experience through narration and engaging storytelling.