Valletta ~ The Knights of Malta
“We’ll always be with you. No one’s ever really gone. A thousand generations live in you now.” —Luke Skywalker
Sicily to Malta could have been done by Ferry but we flew. A wise decision as it turned out since the weather conditions had changed and it was wet and gloomy, not optimal conditions for a ferry across the Mediterranean.
Malta has a rich and ancient history sitting where it does in the Mediterranean. It’s been ruled by the entire motely crowd that plied the Mediterranean but the Arabs, the French and the British left the deepest impact other than the Knights of the Order of St. John who transformed the island and most particularly the city of Valletta.
History buff me has always been fascinated by this tiny island nation, loved the Maltese Falcon in Star Wars and Steve Berry’s: The Malta Exchange but it was the beauty of St. John’s co-cathedral finally sealed the deal and wandering Veena found herself putting her feet here.
The Independence Monument stands at the entrance of the Mall Gardens, modeled in bronze by Maltese sculptor John Bonnici to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Malta’s independence from the British. This is the first of the many impressive sculptures that we were to see in the city of Valletta.
Near the City Gate entrance into Valletta is this statue of Malta kneeling down to Christ the King affirming that Malta was transformed into a might nation by an order of religious knights.
The Order of St. John was at its core a hospitaller order formed to provide care for the sick, poor or injured pilgrims returning from the holy land. They subsequently became a religious and military order who provided care and defense for the pilgrims. When they were removed from their home in Rhodes, they were granted the island Kingdom of Malta where they established their rule. As a part of the defense of their kingdom they designed several forts This fort contains the hospital and ingenious lift that was designed to swiftly move the injured from the dock to the hospital.
As you enter through the City Gate of Valletta, the famous Maltese shutters grace the buildings in the main square. We were to see these in many colors and designs throughout our time on the island.
The Cheese Grater builder. It is a government building, but the defensive windows are so reminiscent of a cheese grater.
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are a public park open to all at the highest part of Valletta distinguished by the beautiful arches that provide a breathtaking view of the Grand Harbor.
From the Upper tier of the gardens, you have a clear view of the saluting battery, the grand harbor and the other populated forts around Valletta.
The St. John’s co-cathedral is pretty austere and reminiscent of a fortress on the outside a stark contrast from the interior that was designed to awe and compete with Rome.
You walk in through a very plain curtained doorway, and all your senses wake up and dance for attention as you stare slack jawed at the explosion of color, gilt and beauty that surrounds you.
You need at least two visits to take it all in and do justice to the beauty and grandeur. A Maltese couple who was traveling with us, had visited before, visited with the group and then went back and visited again.
Did the masters of the order achieve their goal to surpass the churches of Rome?
The flooring consists of tombstones. Each one intricately painted and designed. No wonder Mr. Berry used it in his book as the basis of clues that would solve a mystery.
The Grand master’s palace was closed due to some renovations, so we missed seeing that but instead we enjoyed these young children playing in the moment. Some things are so similar no matter what part of the world you are in.
The city is Baroque in character with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture. With its narrow winding streets leading down to the harbor, the city is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world and the smallest capital in the EU. The beautiful city has been named the Cultural Capital of Europe and also frequently referred to as an open-air museum.
No this is not the famous Calypso Cave, but caves are riddled in the limestone rock that forms the base of the island including a famous Blue Grotto that you can only visit by boat and that too when the wind and tides are just right.
Since I had missed the famous Blue Grotto in Capri, I decided to see if the winds and tides would be more favorable here, but it wasn’t to be. The hotel concierge was happy to sell me a ticket but when I walked along to the waterfront the tour operator advised me not to waste my money because the conditions would not allow entrance to the grotto.
Valletta has more boats than people, since many people use a boat as an address to take advantage of favorable taxation laws. Sailing around the harbor reminds you of being in Venice with its various domes, weathered buildings, sparkling water and boats bobbing at anchor.
The Fort of St. Elmo was attacked and defended by the knights and the townspeople. They were able to repel a far larger force than they commanded turning an easy victory into defeat for the enemy.
Eventually they were defeated but managed to rise up and repel the enemy with the help of the British who then ruled here. This sculpture is dedicated to the knights who lost their lives here.