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Solar bastions of Valletta

Route Details

Route Distance

5.6 km

Route Duration

1 h 7 m

Route Points

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Valletta is one of the smallest capitals in Europe, but in terms of saturation it will give a head start to cities tens of times larger. Here at every step there are fortress walls, baroque churches, cozy coffee houses and breathtaking views of the sea. The city was built by crusader knights in the sixteenth century and still retains this spirit — austere, but at the same time very lively. Three places to remember for sure: The Upper Barracka Gardens is a terrace above the Grand Harbour, from which one of the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean opens. Every day, cannon fire is heard here — a tradition that has been going on for more than one hundred and fifty years. St. John's Cathedral — outside it looks restrained, but inside — solid gold, marble and impressive paintings by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The floor of the cathedral is the tombstones of the knights. The Fort of St. Elma has guarded the entrance to the harbor since the sixteenth century. From here you can see both the city and the sea - you immediately understand why they fought for this point so much. By the way, Valletta is officially the smallest capital in the European Union - its area is less than one square kilometer. The route of Valletta's Sun Bastions is a way to see the city not by gallop, but thoughtfully, with stops where it is really worth a stay. Just go and see.