Valletta: Art, architectural history and underground heritage

Valletta is a fortified city on a hilly peninsula between two natural harbours in the Mediterranean. The combination of fortifications, a peninsula and harbours describes the location as much as the individual cultural themes. This lets you consider the urban setting and specific ideas for places to visit together when choosing accommodation.

Cityscape and museum architecture

MUŻA, the National Community Art Museum, is in the heart of Valletta. The museum is housed in the historic Auberge d’Italie, a building dating from the late 16th century that was originally built for the Italian knights of the Order of St John. MUŻA therefore brings together two clear points of reference: its identity as an art museum and the building’s original purpose. If you are interested in art, you can also consider the museum’s location from the perspective of architectural history. The late 16th century places the building in its historical period; its original purpose for the Italian knights of the Order of St John adds a further historical connection.

Guided tour and walk

Teatru Manoel offers a one-hour, family-friendly guided tour led by local tour guide and actor Jeremy Grech. The duration gives you a specific timeframe for planning your day, while the family-friendly format highlights an important aspect of the offer. If you would like to include the tour in your plans, check in advance whether it is available during your travel dates.

The Valletta Commonwealth Walkway is one of Malta’s walking routes. Together with the guided tour, it gives you two different types of activity to consider: a one-hour guided tour or a walking route. The tour has a set timeframe of one hour, while the Walk is a stroll. This distinction can help you plan your day according to whether you want to include a guided tour or a walk.

Underground structures and access

Valletta’s underground complex includes tunnels that were used for troop movements and grain storage. Valletta’s population also moved into a dense network of underground shelters, which was expanded using existing tunnels and cisterns. These are distinct aspects of the underground: one concerns movement and storage, while the other focuses on expanding shelters using existing infrastructure. Underground Valletta is accessed via stairs. Take the stair access into account when planning this visit.

Panoramic views and getting there

Fort St Elmo offers unobstructed panoramic views of the harbours and the surrounding towns and villages. The nearest bus stop to Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum is a ten-minute walk away. If either of these destinations is in your plans, allow for the walk from the stop and check the bus connection before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Xemxija, Ta’ Xbiex, Luqa, Gozo, Marsaskala, Paola, Hal Kirkop, Attard

For the broader travel overview: Malta.