Malta (Kid Stuff)

Valletta, December 11 - 12, 2025

During the wanderlust phase of this journey, Malta was the "poor stepchild" destination at best and Valletta, the tiny yet grand capital, was not even a blip on our radar.  As the saying goes, even a blind pig finds a truffle once in a while.

Turns out that this port with its seaside bastions, quiet parks, and narrow side streets beguiled our souls before the Star reached berth.

Entering port at sunrise.
Siege Bell War Memorial standing above fortifications of limestone rock.

Valletta was built as a fortress city in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, a medieval Catholic military order.  In 1798, Malta was brought under the authority of Napoleon Bonaparte and remained under French control until Napoleon's final defeat in 1814 by the British.  It was then that Malta became a British Crown Colony and remained so until 1974 when Malta became a Republic.  The British influence remains today. 

From sea level:

Top:  Basilica of the Nativity of Mary
Bottom left:  Breakwater lighthouse entering the Grand Harbour.
Bottom right:  Watchtower and adjoining fortifications. 

That structure looming over Jamie's shoulder is an elevator.
From sea level we breached the top of the walls in less than a minute for 1 Euro apiece.
No, not a funicular but good enough.

From the crown:

Top left:  Pedestrian only shopping lanes.
Top right:  Closeup of the ancient walls.
Bottom left: Quiet walking paths.
Bottom right:  A cocksure Latana in the Argotti Botanic Gardens. 

I apologize for the quality of those two videos but my hope is that they convey a flavor of the place better than the stills and words.  

We'd go back in a heartbeat to stay and linger interspersed with some longer walks, but life will in all likelihood take us on a different path.  Then again, a blind pig never says never.