Valletta’s foundation stone was set on March 28, 1566, which I’m sure you’d agree is a pretty massive turning point for Maltese history. With this in mind, I’ve created a list of some fun facts you may not know about our beloved capital.
Planned in its entirety
Most European cities grew and evolved over the centuries. Not Valletta. Our capital was planned on an entirely grid-based layout right from the start. This may not be anything special in today’s architecture, but it was quite revolutionary of the time as it allowed for more ventilation and made room for more sunlight.
Hidden tunnels
What’s a fortified city without its secret escapes? Valletta’s hidden tunnels are said to have been used as communication channels and for transporting goods during sieges and wars. The most curious part is that there may still be some undiscovered passages.
A cinema capital
Valletta has been a prime filming location for many movies and TV series thanks to its magnificent historical backdrop. We’re talking about major movies like Gladiator and World War Z and famous TV series like Game of Thrones and Queen of the South.
The Great Siege Bell
You’d think that the Great Siege Bell was erected after The Great Siege. Wrong. This magnificent monument has been overlooking the Grand Harbour since 1992 as a memorial piece. It is rung every day at noon to commemorate those who lost their lives in World War II and to remind us of our nation’s resilience.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
This list of interesting facts about Valletta could go on and on, but I’ll end it by saying that the culture, history, and pride Valletta instills in the Maltese islands is what makes it a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a testament to its historical and architectural importance.