Valletta history

The history of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is inextricably linked to one of the most dramatic events in the history of the Mediterranean — the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. Following the heroic victory of the Knights of the Order of Malta over the army of the Ottoman Empire, there was an urgent need to create a new, powerfully fortified city. The Grand Master of the Order, the French nobleman Jean Parisot de Valette, after whom the city was named, personally laid the foundation stone on 28 March 1566. Thus, Valletta became one of the first cities in Europe built not spontaneously, but according to a pre-approved plan.

The development of Valletta was determined by several key factors:

• Strategic location: The city was erected on the rocky Sciberras Peninsula, between two natural deep-water harbours — the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett. This ensured ideal control over maritime approaches and made the city a practically impregnable fortress.
• Military-political role: Initially, Valletta was conceived as a military outpost and the administrative centre of the Knights Hospitaller. The city project, designed by the Italian military engineer Francesco Laparelli, a student of Michelangelo, provided for a system of bastions and fortifications that was advanced for its time.
• Financial support: The construction of the fortress city became a pan-European project. Pope Pius V and King Philip II of Spain provided significant financial and expert assistance, which allowed the main works to be completed in record time.

Already in the first decades of its existence, Valletta began to transform into not only a military but also a cultural and economic centre. Once the threat of a new invasion had passed, the Knights of the Order began to erect luxurious palaces, churches, and "auberges" (lodgings for knights of different nationalities). The city became a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and its straight streets, designed to circulate the sea breeze, created comfortable living conditions. The city's economy was closely tied to the activities of the Order, which controlled trade and crafts, and also received income from its estates in Europe. The city officially became the capital of Malta on 18 March 1571, taking over this status from the ancient Mdina.

Key Dates in the History of Valletta

• 1566 — Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette lays the foundation stone of the new fortress city following the Great Siege of 1565.
• 1571 — Valletta officially becomes the capital of Malta, with the administration of the Order of St. John moving there from Birgu.
• 1577 — Construction and consecration of St. John's Co-Cathedral, which became the main church of the Knights Hospitaller, is completed.
• 1798 — Napoleon Bonaparte's troops capture Malta, leading to the end of the 268-year rule of the Knightly Order.
• 1800 — British troops occupy the city after a blockade of the French garrison, beginning a period of British rule lasting over 150 years.
• 1814 — Under the Treaty of Paris, Malta officially becomes part of the British Empire, and Valletta becomes its strategic naval base in the Mediterranean.
• 1940–1942 — The city is subjected to intense bombing during World War II, known as the Second Siege of Malta, and suffers serious destruction.
• 1964 — Malta gains independence from Great Britain, and Valletta becomes the capital of the new sovereign state.
• 1980 — The entire city of Valletta is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its unique concentration of historical monuments.
• 2004 — Malta joins the European Union, and Valletta becomes the smallest capital by area among EU member states.
• 2018 — Valletta holds the honorary title of European Capital of Culture, hosting numerous cultural events and festivals.

Stages of Valletta's Development

The history of Valletta is not just a chronicle of events, but a clear example of how a city can transform to meet the challenges of the time. From an impregnable fortress to a cultural and economic hub of the Mediterranean — here are the key milestones that defined the look and character of the modern capital of Malta.

• Fortress City by a Unified Plan (XVI Century): Unlike most medieval cities, Valletta was built not chaotically, but according to a pre-developed plan by the Italian architect Francesco Laparelli. The rectangular grid of streets was designed so that the sea breeze would blow through the city, creating natural ventilation. This urban planning approach was revolutionary for its time and defined the city's unique structure.
• Centre of Chivalry and Baroque (XVII–XVIII Centuries): After the capital moved from Mdina, Valletta became not only the administrative but also the cultural heart of the Order of St. John. The Knights built luxurious lodgings ("auberges"), palaces, and churches, turning the city into a jewel of Baroque architecture. St. John's Co-Cathedral, with its lavish interior, became the main symbol of the Order's power and wealth.
• Strategic Base of the British Empire (XIX Century): With the arrival of the British in 1800, Valletta's Grand Harbour turned into one of the most important naval bases in the Mediterranean. This gave a powerful boost to economic development: docks and warehouses were built, and port infrastructure was developed, which strengthened the city's strategic and commercial importance.
• Post-WWII Restoration (Mid-XX Century): During the war, the city underwent massive bombardments that destroyed many historical buildings, including the Royal Opera House. Post-war reconstruction became a crucial stage that allowed not only for the rebuilding of the city but also laid the foundations for its preservation as a historical monument.
• UNESCO Recognition and Tourism Development (1980): The inclusion of the entire territory of Valletta in the UNESCO World Heritage list was a turning point. This status attracted international attention, stimulated the development of tourism, which is today one of the key sectors of the economy, and highlighted the need for the careful preservation of the unique architectural ensemble.
• European Capital of Culture (2018): This title launched a large-scale renovation and cultural development programme. The most iconic project was the reconstruction of the city entrance designed by the world-famous architect Renzo Piano, including the new City Gate, the Parliament Building, and an open-air theatre on the ruins of the old opera house. This transformed the urban space and strengthened Valletta's status as a modern cultural centre.

The architectural appearance of Valletta is a unique layering of eras, where each historical period has left its mark. The city, originally built as a unified whole, developed over centuries, absorbing new styles but retaining its original harmony.

Renaissance and Mannerism (XVI Century)

The founding of Valletta in 1566 coincided with the late Renaissance. The city was built according to an urban plan revolutionary for that time, developed by the Italian military engineer Francesco Laparelli, a pupil of Michelangelo. The plan provided for a rectangular street grid, ventilated by the sea breeze, and a powerful system of bastions. The first buildings, erected under the guidance of the local architect Girolamo Cassar, bore the features of Mannerism — a strict and functional style, transitional from Renaissance to Baroque. Examples include the concise facades of the early "auberges" (knights' lodgings) and the original appearance of the Grand Master's Palace.

Triumph of Baroque (XVII–XVIII Centuries)

The Golden Age for Valletta's architecture was the Baroque period. Having rid themselves of the military threat, the Knights of the Order of St. John began actively decorating their capital, turning it into a "city of palaces". The architecture of this period is distinguished by opulence, dynamic forms, and richness of decor. Iconic monuments of this era include:

• St. John's Co-Cathedral: Austere on the outside, inside it astounds with the luxury of Baroque decoration created by the artist Mattia Preti.
• Auberge de Castille: A majestic building, rebuilt in the 1740s, which today serves as the office of the Prime Minister of Malta and is considered one of the finest examples of mature Baroque in the city.
• Churches and Palaces: Numerous churches and mansions of the nobility, whose facades are adorned with intricate stone carving, wrought iron grilles, and the famous Maltese wooden balconies.

Neoclassicism and British Influence (XIX Century)

With the transition of Malta under the rule of the British Empire in the early 19th century, Neoclassicism appeared in the city's architecture. The British introduced the severity and monumentality characteristic of their imperial style. A striking example is the portico of the Main Guard building on Palace Square, added in 1814, and the majestic St. Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral with its recognizable spire, which changed the city's skyline.

Modernism and Contemporary Architecture (XX–XXI Centuries)

World War II caused serious damage to the city. Post-war reconstruction and further development introduced elements of Modernism. However, the most significant and discussed architectural intervention of recent decades was the City Gate reconstruction project, implemented in 2011–2015 by the world-famous architect Renzo Piano. The complex includes:

• New City Gate: A minimalist "breach" in the bastion, symbolizing the openness of the modern capital.
• Parliament Building: Two massive volumes clad in local limestone, which seem to hover above the ground thanks to a glass ground floor.
• Open-Air Theatre (Pjazza Teatru Rjal): An elegant solution for the ruins of the Royal Opera House, destroyed by bombing.

This project organically integrated ultra-modern architecture into the historical context protected by UNESCO and became a new symbol of Valletta's development.

Notable Figures in the History of Valletta

Over its centuries-old history, Valletta has become a home and a point of attraction for many outstanding personalities — from founders and architects to brilliant artists and political figures. Their contribution defined not only the appearance but also the character of this unique fortress city.

Jean Parisot de Valette (1495–1568)

Grand Master of the Order of Malta, hero of the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. It was he who made the decision to build a new fortified city on the Sciberras Peninsula to protect the island from future attacks. De Valette personally laid the first stone in the foundation of the city on 28 March 1566, and the capital received its name — Valletta — in his honour.

Francesco Laparelli (1521–1570)

Italian military engineer and architect, a pupil of Michelangelo, whom Pope Pius V sent to Malta to create the new capital. Laparelli developed an urban planning scheme for Valletta that was innovative for the 16th century, featuring a rectangular street grid designed for ventilation by the sea breeze, and a powerful system of bastions.

Girolamo Cassar (c. 1520 – c. 1592)

Maltese architect and military engineer who was Laparelli's assistant and, after his departure, led the construction works in Valletta. It was according to Cassar's designs that many of the city's iconic buildings were erected, including St. John's Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master's Palace, and most of the "auberges" (lodgings) of the knightly orders.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610)

The brilliant Italian artist who found refuge in Malta in 1607–1608. During his short stay in Valletta, he created several masterpieces, including the monumental canvas "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist" — the only work signed by the artist. This painting is still located in the Oratory of St. John's Co-Cathedral today.

Mattia Preti (1613–1699)

An outstanding Italian Baroque artist, known as "Il Cavaliere Calabrese" (The Calabrian Knight). He spent almost 40 years of his life in Malta, leaving behind a huge artistic legacy. His most famous work is the grandiose painting of the vault of St. John's Co-Cathedral, depicting scenes from the life of the saint.

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821)

French Emperor whose name is associated with the end of the rule of the Knights Hospitaller in Malta. In June 1798, on his way to Egypt, he captured Valletta without a fight, putting an end to the 268-year power of the Order. During his brief stay, he resided at the Palazzo Parisio on Merchants Street.

Renzo Piano (born 1937)

World-famous contemporary Italian architect. In the 21st century, he radically transformed the appearance of the entrance to Valletta, implementing a large-scale project that includes the new City Gate, the futuristic Parliament building, and an open-air theatre on the ruins of the Royal Opera House.