The capital of Malta, Valletta preserves much of its 16th-century architectural heritage built under the Order of St. John of Jerusalem - Knights of Malta. This city is one of the earliest sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and a "European Capital of Culture" for 2018. Valletta is a harbor city, an important shipping point, a financial center and a tourist destination.
Throughout history, Malta has been conquered by almost every civilization, from the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, French and, more recently, the British. All of them left an indelible mark in the material and cultural heritage all over the island.
The Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights of Malta, assumed sovereign control of Malta in 1530. In 1565, after the successful defense of heavy sieges of the Ottoman Empire, the new city of Valletta, named after the great master Jean de la Vallette, was built in the port area. The city is fortified with massive stone walls, which even withstood heavy bombing during the Second World War.
The forty-eight Grandmaster and the Captain general of the Order`s fleet. Led the Order and the Maltese in the great siege. Ordered the construction of Valletta which was named in his honor.
