Valletta
4
Details
Valletta — The Fortress City of the Knights of St. John
City/Region Overview
Valletta is one of the smallest capital cities in the European Union — but what it lacks in size, it more than compensates for in grandeur, history, and spiritual significance. Built almost entirely in the second half of the 16th century by the Knights Hospitaller of St. John following the Great Siege of Malta (1565), Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Renaissance urban planning. Its streets are laid out on a precise grid pattern, its honey-colored limestone buildings glow warmly in the Mediterranean sun, and its massive fortifications rise dramatically from the waters of the Grand Harbour — one of the finest natural harbors in the world. For our group, Malta holds a profound biblical significance: it is the island of Melita where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked during his voyage to Rome (Acts 27–28), and where the local people showed him — and his companions — extraordinary kindness during their three months on the island.
Port & City Relationship
- The Celebrity Ascent docks at Valletta Cruise Port (Grand Harbour) — berths directly below the city's fortifications; no tender required
- The cruise terminal is at the base of Valletta's fortifications; Valletta city center is accessible by historic lift (elevator) or by walking up the steps and through the City Gate — approx. 5–10 minutes from the terminal
- Valletta is entirely walkable; Republic Street (Triq Repubblika) runs the full length of the city from the City Gate to Fort St. Elmo
- Our group's Faith-Based Tour departs from the port today — all transportation is included
What to See, Do & Eat Nearby
- St. John's Co-Cathedral (our Faith-Based Tour highlight) — Arguably the most magnificent baroque interior in the world; gilded carvings, inlaid marble tombstone floors, Caravaggio's masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist; entry €15 [~$16 USD]; advance booking recommended
- Casa Rocca Piccola (our Faith-Based Tour highlight) — A living 16th-century aristocratic home still owned by the de Piro family; guided tours approx. €10 [~$11 USD]
- Mediterranean Conference Center (Old Hospital of the Order) (our Faith-Based Tour highlight) — The former Great Hospital of the Knights, one of Europe's finest 17th-century medical facilities; historic audio-visual presentation available
- The Upper Barrakka Gardens — A beautiful terraced garden atop the city's fortifications with sweeping panoramic views of the Grand Harbour; free; the Saluting Battery fires a cannon at noon daily
- Merchants Street Market — A lively open-air food and craft market; local cheeses (ġbejna), sun-dried tomatoes, and Maltese ftira bread; produce from €1–5 [~$1.10–5.50 USD]
- Rubino Restaurant — One of Valletta's most celebrated traditional Maltese restaurants; rabbit stew (fenkata), fresh fish; mains approx. €16–26 [~$17–28 USD]
Getting Around
- Walking: Valletta is compact — virtually all major sights are within 10–15 minutes' walk of the City Gate; the city is pedestrian-friendly
- Valletta Lift (elevator): Connects the lower port area to the upper city level; €1 [~$1.10 USD] each way
- Taxi (port → Valletta center): approx. €5–8 [~$5.50–9 USD]; journey 5 min
- Three Cities Ferry — A traditional dgħajsa water taxi crosses the Grand Harbour to the historic Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua); approx. €2 [~$2.20 USD]; a wonderful local experience
- ⚠️ Important: Modest dress is required to enter St. John's Co-Cathedral — shoulders and knees must be covered; wraps are available at the entrance. The cathedral's floor is covered in ornate marble tombstones — be respectful and walk carefully.
Port Info
Schedule
Start Time
Sep 15 8:00AM CEST
to
End Time
Sep 15 5:00PM CEST