Let's Go For A Walk

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Valletta, which is the capital of Malta, has the charm of an Italian city with its many Baroque palaces set on narrow steep streets that form a grid pattern. The city was carefully planned by its founder, Grand Master Fra Jean de la Vallette and the Knights of the Order of St John. The city was 'built by gentlemen for gentlemen' with the first stone being ceremonially laid in 1566 after Ottoman forces withdrew their siege of the Maltese Islands and the Knights of St John took over. The purpose of the city, built in a short span of 15 years on a plateau between two harbours on Malta's northeast coast, was primarily to fortify the island and secondly to provide palaces, Auberges (lodgings) for the eight Knight's groupings (Langues), churches for worship and gardens for recreation. The remnants of the Knight's occupation today characterise Valletta in the form of some splendid Baroque buildings and fortifications, but the majestic architecture manages not to overwhelm the island's carefree personality. [source]
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Valletta is rich in history, I am just reading up on this wonderfully delightful little city that has earned the status of World Heritage Site. Visiting Valletta is as one website pus it, nothing short of visiting an open air museum. So true so true. I hope the next couple or so posts I will be able to show you exactly how beautiful this city really is.


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"A dramatic presentation that illustrates the history of Malta, from Neolithic to modern times, can be enjoyed at the Mediterranean Conference Centre at St. Elmo's bastion in Valletta. This building itself has been impressively restored, having been built by the Knights in the 1500s as a hospital. The wards, which are great sweeping halls with vaulted ceilings and marble floors, now serve as exhibition areas. A modern theatre has been added where the Malta Experience audio-visual show is offered in 10 languages"

I didn't go to see the Malta experience. I don't want to see a film showing - that's what I understood it was from a fellow shipmate who went to see it - when I can walk it's streets and feel the warmth of that November sun.

I appreciate all your comments. I will try to reply as much as my sched would allow.

Comments

  1. wonderful to see that they have preserved these streets over the years. Nice shots.

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  2. Looks like an old but well maintained city.

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  3. It really does have an Italian feel to it, Maria. I'm totally "whetted!" :)

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  4. i need to catch up a lot of your blog posts. very interesting city. i'd surely be mesmerized and would have a feast if i'm there :D

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  5. sometimes i just want to stay stop posting those beautiful places but on the other hand these places deserves to be seen. at least seeing it here makes it special.

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  6. i remember old manila (quiapo, sta. cruz) looking at these pictures. i don't know why.

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  7. @ GILLBOARD - take away the first and last pics, and I see what you see. It is Quiapo and Sta. Cruz - minus the sidewalk vendors. Thanks for noticing.

    The second to the last image screams AVENIDA to me. Thanks again.

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  8. Oh GINNIE please go. I wanted to see Valletta through your lens.

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  9. The parts of the buildings that protrude with their windows are unique, as evident on your the first photo. This must be something of an architectural fad in those days ... or till now?

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  10. The buildings are all fantastic and I'm so glad you put in the bit about why Valleta was built — that is even more fascinating! You know me and my curiosity about history. :)

    I hope you'll soon find the time to continue with your Valleta posts! Would love to see more of it.

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  11. Looks like a very great walk!

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  12. if i were there i would've walked and walked and walked! if only the weather here is like that sarap din sana lakad dito

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  13. how fascinating and there's so much history in it. i could spend hours of strolling around the streets.

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  14. Beautiful pictures reminding me of my trip there many years ago!

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