Self-Guided Walking Tour of Valletta, Malta (2025)

Located just outside the City Gate, the Triton Fountain is one of Valletta’s most photographed landmarks and a symbol of Malta’s modern identity. Designed by Chevalier Vincent Apap with draftsman Victor Anastasi, the fountain was completed in 1959 and has become an iconic meeting point for visitors entering the capital. It features three massive bronze figures of Tritons, mythological messengers of the sea, supporting a large bronze basin — a tribute to Malta’s enduring connection with the Mediterranean.

The fountain’s design combines classical inspiration with bold post-war modernism. Its figures are modeled after ancient Greek ideals of strength and balance, while the travertine base reflects the warm tones of Maltese limestone. Over the decades, the Triton Fountain has been a focal point of celebrations and national events. After damage in the 1970s, it was carefully restored, most recently in 2017, when it was dismantled, repaired, and reassembled as part of Valletta’s entrance redesign.

Today, the Triton Fountain serves as both a cultural landmark and a social hub. Surrounded by a spacious pedestrian plaza, it’s the perfect place to begin or end your exploration of Valletta. At night, the illuminated water jets create a spectacular display against the city’s walls — a modern symbol of vitality greeting all who enter Malta’s storied capital.

Standing at the entrance to the capital, the Valletta City Gate is both the symbolic and physical gateway to the city — a landmark that encapsulates Valletta’s evolution through centuries of history. The current gate, completed in 2014, is the fifth iteration since the city’s founding. Designed by world-renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, it forms part of a broader regeneration project that also includes the new Parliament Building and the Pjazza Teatru Rjal, built on the site of the former Royal Opera House.

The first City Gate, known as the San Giorgio Gate, was built between 1566 and 1569 by the Knights’ engineer Francesco Laparelli, and it evolved through several reconstructions — in 1632, 1853, and 1964 — reflecting Malta’s changing rulers and architectural styles. Renzo Piano’s version is minimalist and open, creating a welcoming sense of arrival while respecting the historic city walls. Its sleek stone bridge leads visitors directly into Republic Street, Valletta’s main artery, where centuries of history await.

Today, the City Gate area serves as the lively threshold between old and new Malta. Just outside stands the Triton Fountain, while inside lies a world of Baroque palaces, cathedrals, and bustling squares. For visitors beginning their walking tour, it’s the perfect starting point — a reminder that Valletta, though steeped in the past, continues to reinvent itself for the present.

Perched atop the St. Michael and St. John Bastions, the Hastings Garden offers one of Valletta’s quietest and most scenic viewpoints. This serene public garden, named after Francis Rawdon-Hastings, the 1st Marquis of Hastings and a British Governor of Malta, provides sweeping views across Floriana, Sliema, and Marsamxett Harbour. It’s a favorite among locals for its peaceful atmosphere and panoramic vistas, making it an ideal rest stop toward the end of your walking tour.

The garden was built in the early 19th century and features a monumental obelisk dedicated to Hastings himself. The site was once part of the Knights’ formidable fortifications, and remnants of bastion walls still frame the garden’s pathways. Though smaller and less frequented than the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Hastings Garden rewards visitors with its tranquility and space to reflect after exploring Valletta’s more crowded attractions.

A walk through the garden at sunset reveals why it remains one of the city’s hidden gems. The warm glow of the limestone walls, the distant sound of church bells, and the soft breeze from the harbor create a moment of serenity that contrasts beautifully with the urban energy of Republic Street. For those seeking a quiet vantage point and unforgettable views, Hastings Garden is the perfect place to pause and take in Valletta’s timeless beauty.

Located in the Auberge de Provence, one of Valletta’s original 16th-century buildings designed by Girolamo Cassar, the National Museum of Archaeology offers an extraordinary journey into Malta’s prehistoric past. This elegant Baroque structure, once the residence of the Knights of St. John from Provence, now houses an impressive collection that spans more than 7,000 years of human history — from the first settlers to the temple builders who created some of the world’s earliest freestanding structures.

Inside, the museum displays artifacts from Malta’s Neolithic temples, including tools, pottery, jewelry, and sculptures that reveal the creativity and spiritual life of Malta’s early inhabitants. The highlights are the iconic Sleeping Lady from the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and the Venus of Malta, two prehistoric statues that showcase remarkable artistry for their age. These pieces help visitors understand the sophistication of Malta’s ancient cultures and their reverence for life, fertility, and nature.

The museum’s galleries also explore the Bronze Age and Phoenician eras, illustrating Malta’s evolution into a crossroads of Mediterranean civilization. With its clear storytelling and immersive displays, the National Museum of Archaeology connects the ancient and modern worlds beautifully. Its location along Republic Street, at the heart of Valletta, makes it an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the island’s deep historical roots before exploring the city’s later, Baroque-era masterpieces.

Few buildings in Valletta can match the splendor of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, one of the most magnificent churches in Europe and a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture. Constructed between 1572 and 1577 by the Knights of St. John, it was commissioned by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière and designed by Girolamo Cassar. From the outside, its fortress-like façade reflects the disciplined austerity of the Order, but once inside, visitors are greeted by one of the most breathtaking interiors imaginable.

Every inch of the cathedral is richly adorned — from its gilded vaults and marble floors to its intricate side chapels, each representing one of the Order’s Langues (national divisions). The floor itself is a mosaic of over 400 inlaid marble tombstones, marking the resting places of the knights. The cathedral’s crowning artistic treasure is Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist”, painted during his time in Malta. This dramatic masterpiece, housed in the Oratory, is the artist’s only signed work and a stunning example of his use of light and shadow.

Beyond its artistic grandeur, St. John’s Co-Cathedral remains an active place of worship and a symbol of Malta’s identity. Visitors are encouraged to look up at the vaulted ceilings painted by Mattia Preti, depicting scenes from the life of St. John. The cathedral’s atmosphere — reverent, awe-inspiring, and steeped in history — perfectly encapsulates Valletta’s spirit: one of devotion, artistry, and enduring legacy.

A short distance away lies Great Siege Square, an area that pays tribute to Malta’s enduring spirit and resilience. This square honors the victory of the Knights of St. John and the Maltese people during the Great Siege of 1565, when they repelled an Ottoman invasion that threatened all of Europe. The highlight of the square is the Great Siege Monument, an evocative bronze sculpture by Antonio Sciortino, unveiled in 1927. The monument features three allegorical figures — Faith, Fortitude, and Civilization — symbolizing the values that led to Malta’s triumph.

The square itself is surrounded by notable buildings, including the Law Courts of Valletta, a neoclassical structure built between 1965 and 1971 on the site of the Auberge d’Auvergne, which was destroyed during World War II. The building’s stately columns and symmetrical façade complement the monument’s solemn dignity, creating a balanced composition of art and architecture. The square also features a statue of Pope Pius V, who played a pivotal role in Valletta’s creation by sending his architect, Francesco Laparelli, to design the city after the siege.

Today, Great Siege Square is both a place of remembrance and a vibrant part of Valletta’s daily rhythm. Locals and visitors often pause here on their way along Republic Street, reflecting on the monument’s symbolism or enjoying the surrounding cafés. The square’s mix of solemn history and civic life captures Valletta’s essence — a city that wears its courage and culture proudly at every turn.

A short walk along Republic Street brings you to Republic Square, also known as Piazza Regina, one of Valletta’s most elegant and lively public spaces. Once known as the Piazza Tesori (Treasury Square), this was the site of the Order of St. John’s Treasury, where financial and administrative records were kept. During the British period, a statue of Queen Victoria was placed at its center, and the square became affectionately known as Queen’s Square — a name locals still use today. The statue remains one of Valletta’s most recognizable landmarks, surrounded by beautifully restored 18th-century buildings.

The most prominent structure facing the square is the National Library of Malta, designed by Stefano Ittar and completed in 1796. Its graceful neoclassical façade and arcaded ground floor make it one of the city’s architectural highlights. Next to it stands the Casino Maltese, originally the Common Treasury of the Knights, now a private members’ club. The surrounding area is filled with open-air cafés and restaurants, including the famous Café Cordina, one of Malta’s oldest coffeehouses, where visitors can enjoy traditional pastries while soaking in the ambiance.

Today, Republic Square serves as a social and cultural hub — the perfect spot to pause during your walking tour. The square buzzes with life throughout the day, from morning coffee drinkers to evening diners. Surrounded by Valletta’s architectural splendor and the hum of conversation, this charming plaza embodies the spirit of the city — a blend of history, culture, and everyday Maltese life.

Palace Square, also known as St. George’s Square, is the ceremonial heart of Valletta and the starting point for many guided tours. This grand open plaza dates back to the 17th century and has witnessed Malta’s most significant historical events — from the pageantry of the Knights of St. John to royal visits and national celebrations. Flanked by baroque architecture and golden limestone façades, the square captures Valletta’s blend of grandeur and civic pride.

At its center stands an elegant fountain surrounded by beautifully paved stonework that reflects the sunlight. Facing the square is the Grand Master’s Palace, whose stately façade has dominated this space for centuries. Around the perimeter are key heritage buildings such as the Main Guard Building with its neoclassical colonnade and the Casa dei Conti, once the treasury of the Order of St. John. Historically, this square served as a military parade ground and the backdrop to Malta’s most formal occasions, including the presentation of the George Cross to the Maltese people in 1942.

Today, Palace Square remains Valletta’s civic centerpiece — a “people’s square” alive with activity. Visitors can often catch cultural performances, open-air exhibitions, or the ceremonial Changing of the Guard that takes place monthly. The evening atmosphere is particularly special when the Grand Master’s Palace is softly illuminated, and locals gather to enjoy the city’s relaxed yet refined charm.

Dominating Palace Square, the Grand Master’s Palace and Armoury is one of Valletta’s most important historic buildings and a masterpiece of 16th-century Maltese architecture. Designed by Girolamo Cassar and constructed in the 1570s, it served as the official residence of the Grand Masters of the Knights of St. John. Within its walls, decisions were made that shaped the island’s history — from military strategies to diplomatic affairs. The palace’s design reflects both power and sophistication, with elegant courtyards, arched corridors, and baroque interiors.

The palace is built around two large internal courtyards — Neptune’s Courtyard and Prince Alfred’s Courtyard — each adorned with statues, fountains, and the coats of arms of various Grand Masters. Inside, visitors can explore the richly decorated State Rooms, which still serve as a ceremonial venue for the President of Malta. The grand halls are filled with priceless art, elaborate frescoes, and antique furniture that narrate the story of the Knights’ rule. The palace’s Council Chamber and Ambassador’s Room are particularly striking, featuring intricately painted ceilings that depict the Knights’ triumphs and ideals.

Adjoining the palace is the renowned Palace Armoury, one of the most complete collections of arms and armor from the Knights of St. John in existence. Housed in the former stables, the exhibits include ceremonial suits of armor, ornate weapons, and battlefield relics — each piece reflecting the Knights’ chivalric spirit and craftsmanship. For visitors, the Grand Master’s Palace is a must-see not only for its grandeur but also for the sense of continuity it represents, linking Malta’s medieval knighthood to its modern statehood.

Continuing along Republic Street, you’ll find Casa Rocca Piccola, one of Valletta’s hidden treasures and the only privately owned palazzo in the city still open to the public. Built in the late 16th century for a noble Maltese family, it offers a rare glimpse into aristocratic life during the time of the Knights of St. John. The residence has remained in the hands of the same noble lineage for generations and is still occupied today by the Marquis de Piro family. Each room is filled with original furnishings, portraits, and heirlooms that tell stories of Malta’s noble past.

Visitors can explore grand salons, a dining room set for formal occasions, and the family’s private chapel — all beautifully maintained. Among the most fascinating parts of the tour are the underground wartime shelters, carved into the limestone during World War II, where Valletta’s residents sought refuge during air raids. These tunnels vividly illustrate Malta’s resilience during the war and provide a deeply personal connection to its 20th-century history.

Casa Rocca Piccola is not just a museum — it’s a living home that bridges past and present. The guided tours, often led by members of the family, are warm, informative, and filled with anecdotes that bring the building to life. With its elegant courtyard, antique décor, and atmosphere of lived-in history, Casa Rocca Piccola offers a more intimate perspective on Valletta’s heritage, contrasting beautifully with the grandeur of its public monuments.

The Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck is one of the most revered and historically significant churches in Valletta. Dedicated to the Apostle Paul — who, according to tradition, brought Christianity to Malta after being shipwrecked on the island in 60 AD — this church stands as a powerful symbol of Malta’s deep-rooted faith. Designed by Girolamo Cassar and completed in the late 16th century, the church’s plain façade belies a richly decorated interior that glows with gilded stonework, marble, and intricate paintings. Its spiritual significance makes it a key stop on any walking tour of the capital.

Inside, the church houses some of Malta’s most precious religious relics, including a piece of St. Paul’s wrist bone and part of the column on which he was beheaded in Rome. These sacred artifacts are venerated by locals and pilgrims alike and are central to the city’s annual Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck, held every February 10th. During this celebration, the church comes alive with music, processions, and devotion — a vibrant reminder of the enduring faith that has shaped Malta’s identity.

Beyond its relics, the church is also notable for its artistic treasures. The ceiling frescoes and paintings reflect the work of Maltese masters inspired by the grandeur of St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Sculpted altars, elegant arches, and carved wooden details add to the sense of sacred intimacy. Whether you visit during a quiet weekday or the fervor of a feast, St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church offers a deeply moving encounter with Valletta’s religious heart.

Guarding the tip of Valletta’s peninsula, Fort St. Elmo is one of Malta’s most significant fortifications and a key site in the island’s military history. Built in 1552 by the Knights of St. John — astonishingly, in just four months — it played a decisive role in the Great Siege of 1565, where the Knights fought bravely to defend it against Ottoman forces. Although the fort was eventually captured, their sacrifice bought vital time for the rest of Malta’s defenses to hold, turning the tide of the siege and securing the island’s survival.

Over the centuries, Fort St. Elmo has been expanded and modified by successive rulers, including the British, who used it as a military outpost well into the 20th century. Today, after extensive restoration, the fort houses the National War Museum, which opened in 2015 and offers a compelling journey through Malta’s wartime history — from the Great Siege to the Second World War. Among its most treasured exhibits is the George Cross, awarded to the Maltese people in 1942 for their bravery during WWII.

Visitors to the fort can explore its ramparts, courtyards, and barracks, as well as the chapel where the Knights made their last stand in 1565. The museum’s audiovisual displays bring the stories of Malta’s defenders vividly to life. Standing on the battlements, with views stretching over both the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, you can feel the immense historical weight of this site — a symbol of endurance and national pride.

Few buildings in Valletta capture the humanitarian spirit of the Knights of St. John as vividly as the Sacra Infermeria. Founded in the 16th century, this vast hospital was once among the finest medical institutions in Europe, capable of accommodating up to 900 patients at its peak. Built under the guidance of the Knights’ architect Girolamo Cassar, the Sacra Infermeria exemplified the Order’s commitment to healing and charity — its Great Ward, stretching an astonishing 160 meters, was one of the longest halls in Europe.

What made the Sacra Infermeria remarkable was not only its scale but also its innovation. The Knights prioritized cleanliness, ventilation, and individual care, offering each patient a separate bed and even serving meals on silver-plated trays — a testament to their belief that compassion was an extension of faith. Over the centuries, the hospital played vital roles during the Great Siege of 1565, the plague epidemic of 1813, and World War II, when it was repurposed as a school, police headquarters, and theater.

Today, the building houses the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC), established in 1979 after extensive restoration. Visitors can still admire its grand architectural proportions and explore exhibitions that showcase the Knights’ medical achievements. The Sacra Infermeria stands as a powerful reminder that Valletta’s story is not just one of defense and faith but also of compassion and service — ideals that continue to resonate through its stone walls.

Perched on the edge of the Grand Harbour, the Siege Bell War Memorial stands as one of Malta’s most poignant tributes to courage and sacrifice. Inaugurated in 1992 by the George Cross Island Association, it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the George Cross being awarded to the Maltese people for their bravery during World War II. The circular limestone structure, crowned with a monumental bronze bell designed by Michael Sandle, overlooks the sea — the very lifeline that sustained Malta through its darkest days.

During the Siege of Malta (1940–1942), the island endured one of the heaviest bombardments of the war, with residents seeking refuge in caves and tunnels as food and supplies ran low. The siege was finally broken in August 1942 when a British convoy successfully reached the island. King George VI later honored Malta with the George Cross, recognizing the people’s unwavering courage. Every day at noon, the great bronze bell tolls in remembrance, its deep sound echoing across the Grand Harbour in solemn tribute.

The memorial is both simple and powerful, its design inviting quiet reflection. Visitors often stop here after exploring the Lower Barrakka Gardens, which lie just above the site. The panoramic views of the harbor — combined with the memorial’s serene atmosphere — make it one of Valletta’s most moving and memorable landmarks.

A short walk from the Siege Bell brings you to the Lower Barrakka Gardens, a beautifully landscaped terrace that offers one of the best views of the Grand Harbour. These gardens were originally laid out by the Knights of St. John as a private retreat and later opened to the public, becoming a favorite among locals and travelers alike. The calm, green space is framed by limestone arches, vibrant flowerbeds, and statues that reflect Valletta’s blend of history and nature.

At the heart of the gardens stands the Neoclassical monument to Sir Alexander Ball, designed in 1810 by Maltese architect Giorgio Pullicino. Modeled after the ancient Greek Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, the monument honors Ball, a British admiral and Malta’s first Civil Commissioner. Its elegant temple design and location overlooking the sea make it one of the most photographed structures in Valletta. Nearby plaques and memorials commemorate other important events in Malta’s modern history, including the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Malta’s accession to the European Union.

The Lower Barrakka Gardens provide a tranquil pause during your walking tour — a place to rest under the shade of olive trees while taking in sweeping views across to the Three Cities. From here, visitors can easily continue to nearby landmarks such as the Siege Bell Memorial, Sacra Infermeria, and Fort St. Elmo, making this a perfect midpoint to reflect and enjoy Valletta’s natural beauty before exploring its eastern bastions.

Perched just below the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Saluting Battery is one of Valletta’s most iconic and enduring military traditions. Originally constructed by the Knights of St. John in the late 16th century, this battery served as a ceremonial and defensive platform overlooking the Grand Harbour. Cannons were fired to greet dignitaries, mark important occasions, and signal the time to ships anchored in the harbor below.

Today, the Saluting Battery continues this centuries-old ritual with a daily cannon firing at noon, a practice revived by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (the Malta Heritage Trust). The ceremonial firing, complete with costumed gunners and authentic artillery, offers visitors a vivid sense of Valletta’s military heritage. From this vantage point, the panoramic view across the harbor and the Three Cities is simply breathtaking — especially when the booming cannon echoes across the water.

Visitors can tour the battery’s underground chambers, which once stored gunpowder and ammunition. These vaults reveal how the site evolved through different periods — from the Knights’ rule to the British era. Whether you’re attending the firing ceremony or simply admiring the view, the Saluting Battery remains one of Valletta’s most memorable experiences, perfectly combining history, spectacle, and scenery.

Hidden deep beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Lascaris War Rooms are an underground labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that once served as Malta’s secret nerve center during World War II. Located 400 feet below ground, this top-secret complex was where British and Allied forces directed air defense operations during the war, including the coordination of the Operation Husky landings in Sicily in 1943.

Carved into solid limestone, the War Rooms were equipped with communications systems, plotting tables, and radar instruments that allowed commanders to track enemy aircraft and manage Malta’s strategic defense. The site later continued to serve military purposes throughout the Cold War and NATO operations until the 1970s. Today, visitors can explore these atmospheric rooms, preserved much as they were during the war, complete with original equipment, maps, and signage.

Guided tours bring the history vividly to life, explaining how this underground warren was staffed around the clock under intense pressure. The Lascaris War Rooms provide a fascinating, immersive experience that contrasts dramatically with the grandeur of Valletta above — revealing the hidden world of intelligence, coordination, and courage that helped secure Malta’s place in history as “the unsinkable aircraft carrier” of the Mediterranean.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are among Valletta’s most breathtaking spots, offering panoramic views across the Grand Harbour and the historic Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. Originally laid out in 1661 as private gardens for the Italian knights of the Order of St. John, they became a public park in the 19th century and are now one of the city’s most beloved open spaces. The gardens sit atop the St. Peter & Paul Bastion, the highest point of Valletta’s fortifications, giving visitors an unparalleled perspective of Malta’s maritime heritage.

Strolling through the gardens, you’ll find shady colonnades, fountains, and monuments surrounded by colorful flowers and stone benches — a tranquil retreat from the bustle of Republic Street. Statues of prominent figures, including one of Sir Winston Churchill, commemorate Valletta’s role in wartime history. Below the terraces lies the Saluting Battery, where cannons are fired daily at noon, creating a dramatic reminder of Malta’s military past. The moment the cannon echoes across the harbor, it’s as if Valletta’s centuries of history come vividly alive once more.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are especially enchanting at sunset, when the golden light bathes the limestone buildings and the harbor glows with reflections of ships and fortifications. The nearby Barrakka Lift provides a quick and scenic descent to the Valletta Waterfront, connecting the city center to the Grand Harbour below. Whether you’re pausing to enjoy the view, taking photographs, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, these gardens are a highlight of any walking tour through Valletta.