Valletta - City of Malta

Valletta is the capital city of Malta. It is located in the central-eastern portion of the island of Malta and has a population of 6,315.

Valletta, the Città Umilissima, is essentially Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture in selected areas. Although many of its treasures survive, World War II left major scars on the city. The City of Valletta was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980.

Valletta is colloquially known as Il-Belt in Maltese. The official name given by the Order of Saint John is Humilissima Civitas Valletta — The Most Humble City of Valletta, named for Jean Parisot de la Valette, victorious in defending the island from invasion. However, the building of bastions, curtains and ravelins along with the beauty of its Baroque palaces, gardens and churches gave the city its nickname Superbissima — 'Most Proud' amongst the ruling houses of Europe.

The city shares its early history with the island of Malta.

The foundation stone of Valletta was laid by the Grandmaster of the Order of Saint John, Jean Parisot de la Valette on 28 March 1566. The Order decided to found a new city on the Xiberras peninsula just after the end of the Siege of Malta in 1565, so as to fortify the Order's position in Malta and bind the Knights to the island. The city was designed by Francesco Laparelli. Many of the most important buildings were built by the Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar. Valletta is an urban area which boasts many buildings from the 16th century and onwards, many built during the rule of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem .

Nazi and Fascist air raids throughout World War II destroyed areas of the city and its infrastructure. The majestic Royal Opera House, constructed at the city entrance in the 19th century, was one of those lost in the raids.

Jazz music in Malta was introduced through the lively Strait Street area, frequented by Allied sailors during both World Wars. The famous Cafe Premier in Republic Square hosted many jazz formations. Valletta was also the location of the Malta Jazz Festival.

The City's dual band clubs are the "King's Own Band Club" and "La Valette National Philarmonic Society" .

Valletta is the scene of the Maltese Carnival, held in February leading up to Lent. Carnival in Gozo is celebrated in Victoria and many parishes in both islands hold their own festivities.

The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated with devotion every 16 July, Saint Paul's feast is celebrated on 10 February, Saint Dominic's feast is celebrated in Valletta on August 4 or before, whilst the feast of Saint Augustine is celebrated on the third Sunday after Easter. A procession of St. Rita is also performed by City dwellers.