Lynne Marie Taylor

Typical townhouses in my favourite city, Valletta – the capital of Malta.

I love wandering through the city streets, which offer a fascinating journey through time. Founded in 1566 by Jean Parisot de la Valette, the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Valletta was designed as a fortress to guard against Ottoman incursions. Its strategic location in the central Mediterranean has made it a vital military and naval base throughout history, earning it the nickname “The Fortress City.”

The city’s architecture is a testament to its rich past, showcasing a blend of Baroque, Mannerist, and modern styles. Following the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the Knights Hospitaller set about constructing Valletta as a city “built by gentlemen for gentlemen.” It was built to a rigid grid plan on a rocky peninsula called Mount Sceberras; ten streets running lengthways, traversed by eleven streets, connecting the main harbours of Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. The city boasts beautiful palaces, gardens, and churches, the most famous being St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture.

Valletta has endured through centuries, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and surviving two World Wars. In the 20th century, it played a pivotal role during the Siege of Malta in World War II, withstanding relentless bombings. Many buildings were lost at this time, such as the Royal Opera House and the Auberge d’Auvergne (featured in Death in Valletta as the home of the Police Office).

For anyone visiting Valletta who would like to follow in the footsteps of Inspector Sam McQueen, here is a link to a map of Valletta with key locations identified: https://batchgeo.com/map/d02296500b57df50ea3bd8f7d9a9f356