Malta is becoming more and more renowned across the world for its many magnificent places to visit. Apart from that, it offers an excellent business environment and high quality of life. You don’t have to just take our word for it, National Geographic also recommended Valletta, Malta as one of the 20 destinations in their Traveler list of 20 ‘must see places’, featuring the top holiday destinations in the world. The list consists of some of the most beautiful places in the globe, including, Ney York, Bermuda and Seychelles.
Valletta also received the European Capital City of Culture in 2018. In this article we will highlight 10 interesting facts that you probably did not know about our beloved capital city, Valletta.
#Fact 1.
The capital city was named after the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta. His name was Jean Parisot de Valette, however, he never saw the completion of the city. He died back in 1568 due to a stroke.
#Fact 2.
The Foundation stone of the capital was laid on the 28th March in 1566.
#Fact 3.
In order to build Valletta, 9,000 workers took part.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Things To Do in Valletta, Malta
#Fact 4.
In V18, many became aware that Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, however, the capital has been part of UNESCO since 1980.
#Fact 5.
Valletta is not the first capital city of Malta, nor the second. Many people are aware that Mdina was primarily the capital city of Malta. Secondly, Vittoriosa was also made the capital city until 18th March 1571. On this day, Valletta became the capital city.
#Fact 6.
According to the Met Office, Valletta is officially the city in Europe with most sun! Malta boasts 300 days of sunshine per year!
#Fact 7.
Valletta is the smallest capital city in whole Europe. It occupies less than 1 Square kilometer. Nevertheless, it has countless opportunities to offer.
#Fact 8.
Despite its tiny size compared to other cities, Valletta offers 320 monuments! They are all within walking distance of each other and the majority can be visited for free.
#Fact 9.
You have seen the capital in several popular movies! Due to its shape, size and rich artifacts, Valletta hosted a number of globally renowned Holywood Movies. These include, Assasin’s Creed, World War Z and Queen of the South.
#Fact 10.
Under the streets of Valletta, one can find many subterranean tunnels dating back to the Knights of Malta and interconnecting many Maltese towns.
Suggested Read: 7 Facts You Did Not Know About the Former Capital, Mdina
