Valletta

Valletta, population 7048 (official estimate for 2000), is the capital city of Malta - The city is located at 35°54'16" North, 14°31'32" East (35.904444, 14.525556).http://earth-info.nga.mil/gns/html/cntry_files.html

History

The foundation stone of Valletta was laid by the Grandmaster of the Order of Saint John, Jean de Vallette, on 28 March 1566; The Order (which was the long-time ruler of the city and the island) decided to found a new city on the Scebberras peninsula just after the end of the great Siege of Malta, so as to fortify the Order's position in Malta, effectively binding the Knights to the island. The city was designed by Francesco Lapparelli, while many of the most important buildings were built by Gerolamo Cassar. Valletta, hence, is a urban area which boasts many buildings from the 16th century and onwards, but most of them were built during the time of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (the Knights Hospitaller, or Knights of Malta).

Related Topics:
28 March - 1566 - 16th century - Knights of St. John of Jerusalem - Knights Hospitaller - Knights of Malta

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After the Knights and the brief French interlude, the next building boom in Valletta occurred during the British rule. Gates were widened, buildings demolished and rebuilt, houses widened and civic projects installed: However the whole city and its infrastructure were damaged by air raids in World War II, notably losing its majestic opera house constructed at the city entrance in the 19th century. The city contains various historic cafes, meeting places and restaurants.

Related Topics:
World War II - Opera house - 19th century

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~