With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do in the Maltese Islands.
Located in the beating heart of the Capital City Valletta, your stay at this property will surely compliment your experience.
The Location
Valletta is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world which makes it recognised as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE city. The city is a masterpiece of the Baroque which boasts some of Europe’s finest art works, churches and palaces together with votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms around every corner and every street.
The city is busy by day, yet retains a timeless atmosphere by night, that gives the feeling that you are walking back in time. The grid of narrow streets is full of tiny quaint shops and cafés, whilst the main streets are lined with larger international branded shops for fashion, music, jewellery and much more.
A short stay at Chateau La Vallette promises a unique experience in this historical gem surrounded by bastions and fortifications, located just a few minutes’ walk from all the popular attractions in the prestigious city of Valletta. Live the magic of the city and enjoy its breath-taking views from different parts of the Cultural Capital whilst experiencing the vibrant yet mature night life which accompanies the city´s rich architectural heritage
Closest Attractions
Following the regeneration of the lower part of Valletta, the city has taken life in each and every part of it and this hand book will definitely not be enough to detail all of the attractions and interesting sites that one can visit. Just an overview will be provided for one to have a better idea of the closest attractions/interesting sites in the area.
Chateau La Vallatte is located in the area known locally as ‘Il Baviera’. Name is derived from ‘Auberge de Baverie’, one of the 4 auberges built by the knights positioned less than 5 minutes’ walk from the guesthouse towards the side of Marsamxett Harbour. Underneath this Auberge one can reach a rocky beach ‘Jews Sally Port’ – known locally as ‘Il-Fossa’.
With also a 5 minutes’ walk from the guesthouse towards the Grand Harbour side, one can find another rocky beach known locally as ‘Taħt is-Sur’ (underneath the bastion). One can walk from one beach to another admiring the majestic fortifications of St. Elmo from below.
*** Interesting fact – Throughout the years, numerous international movies were filmed in this area such as:
Midnight Express (1978)
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
World War Z (2013)
If one walks from the upper part of Fort St. Elmo, one can come across the entrance of the Fort, the National War Museum, The Malta Experience & La Sacra Infermeria (the hospital of the Order of the Knights of St John), the Lower Barrakka Gardens and the famous Great Siege Bell. These are all very significant to the Island’s history and worth a visit. One can refer to the attractions’ respective websites for a detailed historic overview, opening times and ticket prices.
Fort St. Elmo – best known for its role in the Great Siege of Malta of 1565.
The National War Museum – contains artifacts relating to the military history of Malta, collection focusing mainly on WORLD WAR II
The Malta Experience – screened film that covers over 7,000 year history of the Maltese Islands. From early prehistoric evidence of human civilisations, to the various rulers that called Malta their home, to the various wars and conflicts that rocked the country.
La Sacra Infermeria (the hospital of the Order of the Knights of St John) – Built in 1574, the Infirmary was the most revolutionary hospital in Europe at the time, employing medical practitioners who came up with ground-breaking treatments (such as using honey to treat wounds and serving food on silver plates to prevent the spread of diseases).
The Lower Barrakka Gardens and the Great Siege Bell – a popular gardens in Valletta overlooking a very powerful monument from World War II with great views of the Grand Harbour.
Around the corner of Chateau La Vallette, one can find Casa Rocca Piccola – a palace built by Admiral Don Pietro la Rocca (The admiral of the fleet of the Order of Malta) with more than 50 rooms. This palace offers a great attraction to visitors with the largest private collections of antique costumes, traditional Maltese lace and documents dating back to the 16th century including business and marriage contracts, bills, wills, and court cases. This palace was home to many prominent individuals throughout the years.
The lower part of Valletta discussed above is just a fraction of what Valletta has to offer. Towards to east, west and north of the guesthouse, one can find a lot of other attractions just minutes’ away from each other. The grid building system allows the ease of movement of pedestrians/visitors from one spot/attraction to another in a matter of a few minutes. In fact the best way to get around and get the most from your visit to Valletta is on foot.
Other attractions include the other Valletta’s beautiful gardens (The Upper Barrakka Gardens, Hastings, etc), St John’s co-Cathedral which is home to world famous artistic masterpieces by Caravaggio and Mattia Preti, a handful of other Baroque churches, the Grandmasters’ Auberges, piazzas & museums and so much more, together with the busiest shopping hub.
For more information on tourist attractions, please refer to the Tourist Information Centre situated at MUZA, Merchants Street Valletta – Contact number: +356 22915502