Tag: Valletta

Streets in Valletta

photo by Anne Pflug
A typical street in Valletta

There are three qualities to the streets in Valletta.  They are narrow.  They are extremely hilly and they are surrounded by balconies. Notice that the balconies come in several styles. The closed ones are usually wood, painted in a variety of colors.  the open one are metal and they display a variety of designs. The two balconies seen on the left are excellent examples of this variety. One is curved with a very delicate and lacy design; the other is angular and somewhat geometric.  Traveling around Malta would give one many examples of these two styles. One thing they have in common; they are all beautiful!

This blog annevisitsmalta.com enhances my book Return to Malta by visiting most of the places mentioned in the book with color photos. The book is available through Amazon and other book stores.

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Valletta Harbor Cruise

photo by Anne Pflug
On the Grand Harbor Cruise.

In Malta, on a beautiful, sunny day, a Harbor Cruise fits the bill. The sea breezes kept us cool while we explored Valletta and the Three Cities from the water.  On the left, you can see a cruise ship, dropping off tourists for a day exploring Malta. On the upper right is a good view of Upper Baracca. As always, the strong walls protecting the city are in full view.

If you enjoyed this, much more information is available in my published book:   Return to Malta  which can be purchased from Amazon.com

 

Valletta’s New Entrance

photo by Anne Pflug
Under construction, the new entrance to Valletta, Malta

I was not thrilled when I heard that the beautiful bastions surrounding Valletta were being demolished to make room for a new, modern entrance to the capital.  I felt that history was being changed for the sake of modernity. As one can see, the architecture for this new gate is modern, streamlined and nothing like the original.  I still prefer history to change  in Malta. To me, it doesn’t seem to fit with Valletta’s architecture.

 

If you enjoyed this, much more information is available in my  book:   Return to Malta  available from Amazon.com

Fountain and Bus Terminal outside Valletta

photo by Anne Pflug
This beautiful fountain welcomes visitors to Valletta.
photo by Anne Pflug
The Bus Terminal outside of Valletta.

Just before you enter Valletta, the capital of Malta, you can see this beautiful fountain.  It is quite large, as compared to the visitors below. This fountain also enhances the Bus Terminal which is located surrounding it. To the left of the Terminal, one can see the Cathedral of Floriana; to the right, the long standing Phoenicia Hotel.

 

If you enjoyed this, much more information is available in my   book:   Return to Malta   available from Amazon.com

Street in Valletta

Photo by Anne Pflug
A rare street in Valletta. Not so hilly.

Walking up and down Valletta, as well as other cities in Malta is quite a chore. Most streets are very hilly.  In fact, some of them are actually made up of stairs. (See The Seven Story street, a future blog) As a result, strolling along the side streets is very tiring.  Here is a main street that is not so hilly. You will note that as you go down this street, it does seem to slope a bit. Still, it seems the exception to the rule and it is still a bit narrow. In general,  prepare yourself, make a lot of stops and don’t rush.

 

If you enjoyed this, much more information is available in my book:   Return to Malta  available from Amazon.com

Republic Square – Valletta

photo by Anne Pflug
Restaurants at Republic Square

 

 

photo by Anne Pflug
Band entertains diners at Republic Square.                                                                                       

When you visit Valletta, you must lunch at one of the restaurants in Republic Square.  If you’re lucky, a fantastic band will entertain you!

 

If you enjoyed this, much more information is available in my book:   Return to Malta   available from Amazon.com

 

View of Valletta from the Harbor

photo by Anne Pflug
View of Upper Barrakka from the Grand Harbor, Valletta

After passing Fort St. Elmo, one sees Valletta on the right.  It is a medieval city with many stone walls and old structures.  In this photo, one can see the Upper Barrakka, its many arches shield the loggia from which tourists enjoy the view of the Grand Harbor.  This is also the general area where cruise ships dock to let the passengers enjoy the island.

 

If you enjoyed this, much more information is available in my  book:   Return to Malta   available from Amazon.com

Fort St. Elmo

photo by Anne Pflug
The entrance to the Grand Harbor, Fort St. Elmo

Fort St. Elmo, a star fort, stands on the peninsula that divides Marsamxett Harbor from the Grand Harbor. It protects the approach to the main harbor of Malta. Best known for its roles in both the Great Siege of Malta of 1566 and World War II, it  provides the first view of Malta to all shipping and cruising to the island.

 

If you enjoyed this, much more information is available in my  book:   Return to Malta   available from Amazon.com