1. The founder of Valletta never saw his beloved city complete.
This city was named after the Grand Master Jean Parisot La Valette. For those who don't know, La Valette was the 49th Grand Master of the Order of Malta, and a hero after defeating Ottomans in the Great Seige. Feeling victorious after winning the Great Siege, instead of popping a bottle of bubbly like us normal folks, the Grand Master wanted to celebrate in style by setting out to build a new fortified city on the peninsula of Sciberras.
Sadly, he didn’t live long enough to see his beloved city standing tall and glorious as he died from a stroke… although some say he died from a broken heart, but that story is for another time.
2. It all started in 1566
The foundation Stone was set on 28 March 1566. It was laid by the Grand Master himself. This first stone laid would later become part of Our Lady of Victories Church. Infact, it took about 9,000 people to build Valletta.
3. UNESCO
Valletta is recognized as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO since 1980. It is also the smallest capital in European Union. Yes, compared to other cities it is quite tiny but mighty!
4. An Old Theatre
The Manuel Theatre is one of the most important performing venues in Malta. Named after one of the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John Fra Antonio Manoel De Vilhena, it's construction was ordered in 1731. Infact, this theatre is the third oldest theatre in Europe. The oldest is San Carlo Theatre in Naples.
5. Famous with Hollywood
Another fun fact about Valletta is that this city has played a large part in many Hollywood movies such as Assassin Creed, World War Z, The Devils Double, and the classic Eyewitness where you can take a glimpse of Valletta in the 70's.
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