Valletta

In 1530, Charles V of Spain granted the island of Malta to the Knights of the Order of St. John. Many impressive 16th-century limestone buildings and fortifications from the Knights have endured, helping make the city of Valetta simply magnificent to experience today.

Attractions

Explore the city's main square and pass many of its ancient buildings. Then head to St. John's Cathedral, founded by the Knights of the Order of St. John during the 16th century. Today the cathedral is the final resting place for many of the knights - their headstones line the cathedral floor.

Activities

• Visit the Armory, St, John's Co-Cathedral, and the 18th century Manoel Theater for some more spectacular sights.


• Visit the National Museum of Archaeology. It houses collections of pottery, sculpture, statuettes, stone implements and personal ornaments recovered from the Maltese megalithic temples and other prehistoric sites.


• Explore the Palace of the Grand Masters, completed in 1574. It contains portraits of the Grand Masters of the Order and European monarchs, interesting furniture and other works of art.


• Stroll through the Upper Barrakka Gardens and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of Grand Harbour.

Shopping

Traditional crafts, such as handmade lace, ceramics, silver and gold filigree, brass and copper metalwork, pottery, tiles and mouth-blown glass, are great buys.

Food

Maltese food is rustic and based on seasonal produce and the fishermen's catch. Pastry of all kinds is used to encase vegetables, cheese, fish, meat, rice and pasta, producing tasty and filling dishes. These include delicate combinations of young cauliflower florets, sheep or goat cheeses and egg contained in a crisp pastry, similar in taste to quiche. Or try the stronger taste of Lampuki pie, filleted dorado mixed with spinach, cauliflower, chestnuts and sultanas in shortcrust pastry. It has an unusual and delicious taste. Spinach and anchovy pies have a distinctive taste and are very popular, as is timpana, an everyday concoction of pasta in a meat sauce topped with a layer of pastry.

Currency

The Maltese lira (MTL) is the official currency of Malta. Many stores and restaurants also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you a good exchange rate.

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