Founded by Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette and built on a grid pattern as designed by Francesco Laparelli in 1566, Valletta is Malta’s capital and serves as the islands main hub of social, cultural, economic and administrative activities. Valletta has many titles, all recalling its rich historical past. It is the "modern" city built by the Knights of St John; a masterpiece of the baroque; a European Art City; and a World Heritage City. The whole town has been identified by Unesco as a World Heritage site, and contains numerous monuments that should not be missed. Places to visit in Valletta inculde -  St Johns Co-Cathedral, The Grand Masters Palace, The Auberge de Castille, The National War Museum, Fort St. Elmo and the Malta Experience to name but a few. It was ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John.

Nowhere in Malta is the life of the Islands reflected more than here. The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere. The grid of narrow streets house some of Europe's finest art works, churches and palaces.

Valletta hosts a vast cultural programme. Street events are staged against the city's magnificent baroque architecture and floodlit bastions. There is theatre and music and all manner of things to see and join in, from avant garde art to traditional church festas. The city is a delight to shop in: narrow side streets are full of tiny shops selling antiques, maps, books, prints and jewellery. For top quality fashion, music and much more try Valletta's main streets - Republic Street and Merchants Street.

Walking around Valletta, you'll come across an intriguing historical site around every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. And when you need to stop and take it all in, the city yields up squares, courtyards, gardens and any number of cafés, right on cue.