Valetta is the capital city of the island of Malta. South of Sicily with a population of 7000. Our ship cruised into the harbour and even before we got off the boat, we knew we would enjoy discovering this historic city. Many people spoke English but the official language is Maltese.
Our arrival at the Port. Incredible fortifications ever where you look.
For only one euro, we could get a round trip ticket to the top of the Fortress up this elevator. Whisked us up in 25 seconds. IT IS HIGH!! With a glass window it was exhilarating.
Just opened in 2012, linking the Grand Harbour to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Valetta city centre.
It is 58 meters high and can carry 21 people at a time.
Valetta is known as a Fortress City. Building began in the year 1566 and completed in 15 years.
When we left the elevator this is what we saw. A beautiful park with sweeping views of the harbour.
If you prefer to walk the steps rather than the elevator..........seemed never ending to me.
There are many churches that grace the streets of Valetta. An interesting fact, in 60 A.D. St. Paul was shipwrecked on this island while on his way to Rome and brought Christianity to Malta.
Below is St. John's Cathedral. This was built as a shrine to the Knights of St. John's. Many from the 1600-1800 are buried here. Arriving on a Sunday, we were unable to visit the church during services. After the service, it was closed....boo hoo.
I took this picture of these ladies waiting outside a church during service.
I purchased lovely handmade earrings from this local artist in Valetta. There were many Christmas market areas throughout.
Below is the Grandmaster's Palace. Now the official office of the President of Malta and the House of Parliament of Malta. Originally it was built during the reign of Grandmaster Jean de La Cassiere in 1572. Followed by the French occupation between 1798 and 1800, then the British took it over until Malta's Independence in 1964.
During WWII Malta and Britain defended side by side on this island against their enemies including Sicily.
The brave people endured much during the War. From 1940-1943 they were constantly bombed in air raids. 3340 raids. A badly wounded country and nearly starved, the Maltese and their British defenders remained defiant in the face of oppression. Resulting in the whole population being awarded the 'George Cross' 'For Gallantry' by King George VI. Post war reconstruction of Malta amounted to 30 million pounds.
Of the 275,000 people, 1500 were killed, 3700 injured and 50,000 were left homeless.
A young Maltese boy watching the soldiers and their Changing of the Guard.
A monument of Queen Victoria marking her Golden Jubilee in front of the National Library in Republic Square in Valetta.
Caffe Cordina is a landmark cafe in the busy streets of Valetta. We sat outside on the terrace amongst all the locals enjoying a weekend socializing with friends and families.
Founded in 1837 it is a well known, family business.
A touristy train that travels through the city.
We walked around this great city, even with these very steep hills. Didn't go down this one though.
Little Smart cars powered by electricity. Taxis for visitors.
Debbie found us a Christmas tree.
Mona Angela...."is that a smile?"
I FOUND SANTA IN MALTA!!!
I told him our itinerary and he said he would try to find us?
"When the moon hits your eye like a big-a-pizza pie, That's amore"
Lunch and Wifi time at an outdoor cafe in the middle of one of the shopping streets.
Check out the sign board....in the picture below.
A local artist being inspired.
Green, lush and everything still in bloom.
I love this island.
Debbie making friends with an Officer.
The movie "World War Z" shot scenes here in Malta. If you saw the movie....I loved it....the scene was of the Israel troops getting Palestinian refugees to safety behind a massive concrete wall. Where they sang and danced.....and if you saw the movie you know what comes next.
Heading back to the Port and the super sonic elevator.
Cafes directly across from the ship. Awesome area to linger over cappuccino.
Deb and I would add Valetta to our list of long stay places for the winter. The people are friendly. The city has much to offer. Museums, Opera, Churches, cafes, shopping...etc.
The weather was perfect. Coolish breeze with sun. Oh yeah.
This fellow almost missed the ship.
Ruuuunnnnnn!!!!
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