Valletta

Valletta - The capital of Malta and Europe's southernmost and one of the smallest. Its location on a peninsula high above the island's Grand Harbour is second to none and the massive fortifications that surround it and the characteristic architecture are quite stunning. For the dark tourist, there are a couple of war-related museums, underground war tunnels plus some extra bang for your buck in the form of the Saluting Battery … as well as a few quieter monuments and quirky details. It also makes a good base for exploring other parts of the island. > More background info > What there is to see > Location > Access and costs > Time required > Combinations with other dark destinations > Combinations with non-dark destinations > Photos More background info: Valletta owes its existence to its non-existence in 1565, namely during the Great Siege by the Ottoman Empire. At that time the seat of the then rulers, the Knights of St John (see under Malta in general), resided on the other side of the natural harbour, which is now the Grand Harbour, namely where Fort St Angelo is. During the battles, the Turks apparently used the rocky promontory opposite to great effect, so after the heroic Maltese defeat of the Turks, the victorious Knights decided not to leave such an advantageous position to potential future enemies again – and so quickly set about fortifying the peninsula and building a grand new capital within its walls … and they named it after their Grand Master and commander Jean Parisot de la Valette, who had led them to victory in the Great Siege.