Valletta

As the capital of Malta, Valletta is known for its ancient architecture, narrow streets, and stunning sea views. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Malta's three World Heritage Sites. The Knights Hospitaller, a famous order in European history, once made Malta their headquarters. The knights came from wealthy and noble Catholic families and ruled here for three centuries. The various ruins and treasures they left behind are still waiting to be explored by travelers. St. John's Co-Cathedral in the city center is one of Valletta's iconic buildings and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. This Baroque masterpiece was built in the 16th century and is decorated with exquisite carvings, gilded ceilings, and beautiful paintings. However, the most stunning feature is its floor, which is made up of over 400 marble tombstones, each one unique. Don't miss The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, a painting by Italian artist Caravaggio, which is the only work he signed. The nearby Grandmaster's Palace is magnificent. The Grandmaster was the highest leader of the Knights Hospitaller, holding military, political, and religious leadership. After its completion, the palace remained the center of power for the order. Today, it houses portraits of some of the order's leaders, tapestries of great artistic value (including a large tapestry given to the order's leader by Louis XIV of France), and an armory with some of the finest weapons from medieval and Renaissance Europe. The Upper Barrakka Gardens, located at the highest point in Valletta, are very popular. Also known as the "Italian Lookout," the gardens offer excellent views of the harbor, the entire Grand Harbour, and the Three Cities on the opposite shore. Originally, the gardens were the private gardens of the Italian knights and part of Valletta's fortifications. The garden's saluting battery is one of the oldest still in operation in the world, and a salute is fired every day at noon.