|
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
 |
| |
|
European Vacations -
Malta Vacation Packages &
Travel Information |
|
|
|
|
Overview |
|
|
|
The official name the Order of Saint
John gave to the city was
Humilissima Civitas Valletta - a
city bound to humility. However,
with the building of bastions,
curtains and ravelins, along with
the beauty of the baroque buildings
along its streets, it became known
as Superbissima - the 'Superb',
amongst the ruling houses of Europe.
In Maltese it is colloquially known
as Il-Belt, simply meaning "The
City". The population of Valletta
has steadily decreased over the
years, and is now reduced to about a
third of its peak. This process was
heavily accelerated after World War
II as new development in outlying
suburbs marked a shift of the
population away from the capital
city, but it continues as the center
of Malta's commercial and
administrative activity. |
|
|
|
Culture |
|
|
The city contains various historic
cafes, meeting places, restaurants,
banks, hotels and Government
offices. There are also public
gardens which offer fantastic views
of the Grand Harbour and other
surroundings.
The Manoel Theatre at Old Theatre
Street has been staging performances
since 1732. Built by Grandmaster
António Manoel de Vilhena and
recently refurbished to its original
glory, it is one of Europe's oldest
theatres. It specialises in the
classical performing arts, but also
stages poetry, jazz, folk and rock
concerts.
The feast of Saint Paul is
celebrated in Valletta on February
10, whilst the feasts of Saint
Dominic, Saint Augustine and Our
Lady of Mount Carmel are celebrated
throughout the year with devotion. A
procession of St. Rita is also
carried out.
Valletta is also renowned for its
football club Valletta FC, one of
the best football clubs on the
Maltese island.
Parts of the film Munich were shot
in Valletta. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
