Event: Malta

City of Valletta

When:	Daily
Where:	Valletta

The capital of Malta is inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order of St John of Jerusalem. The impressive, fortress town is packed with beautiful Baroque architecture and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John. Its 320 monuments, all within an area of 55 hectares, make it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.

Visitors can wander the narrow maze of streets where tiny shops sell antique maps, coins, books, prints and jewellery, or shop for high street names on the bustling Merchants Street and Republic Street.

Seek out Caravaggio's painting, Beheading of St John, which is the only painting he ever signed, located in Valletta Cathedral. Catch a show in The Manoel, a working theatre since the 16th century, or a cultural event in the Centre for Creativity - a modern arts centre housed in the ancient St James Cavalier Fortress.

During the Historic Cities Festival (October) the town really comes alive, with pageants, processions and concerts taking place against the backdrop of the spectacularly-lit fortress walls.