On the 7th of December, coinciding with the 75th Anniversary of the Chicago Convention, I embarked on an impromptu trip to Malta: an escape from the chilly winds of London. The temptation of a £70 round-trip ticket from London and just over a 3-hour flight proved irresistible. It sounded like the perfect quick escapade. Transport from the airport to Valletta is both easy and inexpensive; the city is just under 10 km away, and the bus ticket costs only €2.
I arrived in the Valletta city centre on a perfect sunny afternoon, right at the Triton Fountain. A pleasant warmth of 20 degrees and plenty of delightful views welcomed me, starting with the beautiful Valletta City Gate.
I began my stroll immediately, captivated by the view of this city, which boasts a wealth of cultural and remarkable history. Being in such a strategic location, it served as a godsend for any avid conqueror looking to settle in. The first remarkable sight was St. John Bastion, a massive gate built in the 1560s to protect the main entrance of the city. It overlooks the adjacent town of Floriana.
This photo reveals the enormous size of these limestone walls, offering truly stunning views. I continued my walk along Republic Street, Valletta’s central road that stretches from the Fountain to Fort St. Elmo. Along this charming street, I discovered numerous cosy cafes and appealing restaurants. I decided to settle into one of them while waiting for Jonathan, who kindly shared his afternoon with me and provided valuable local insights, along with some delightful travel stories. Bless him.
We strolled along the beautiful Upper Barrakka Gardens, situated atop a bastion and offering a spectacular view of the harbour.
We also had the chance to witness The Saluting Battery in action. Arriving just in time, we saw and heard the cannon shot, exceptionally loud and not something you get to witness every day. It’s a historical tradition that continues to captivate.
We also visited Spazju Kreattiv, a 16th-century fort featuring an arthouse cinema and a cultural program of music. Inside, we explored an interesting yet controversial exhibition titled ‘The State of Limbo’; a comprehensive showcase with paintings by artist James Micallef Grimaud, offering a raw visual narrative of the socio-political context amid the unparalleled crisis in Europe.
The exhibition comprises a diverse array of creative elements, blending vibrant street art with super-rich and colourful artwork. However, beneath the surface of this visual richness lies a disheartening representation of the Mediterranean Sea. It emerges as a contradictory space, where entire populations are driven to flee in pursuit of freedom. As you peruse the artworks, I invite you to judge with your own eyes the complex narrative woven into each piece.
As the day drew to a close, I uncovered the fascinating tapestry of Valletta’s past: a city adorned with over 300 monuments, each a testament to its diverse history. From the Phoenicians and Greeks to the Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs, Valletta preserves the imprints of civilizations. The UNESCO recognition as an Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization site only underscores the city’s profound historical significance. It was truly a pleasure to meander through its streets and unearth the wonders of its past.
Time for dinner to get ready for Part 2 next… Gozo & Comino! 😊
“Oh you who are situated at the entry of the sea, Malta comes to my heart when I do think of you, And I am by the wayside waiting for you”. poem by Edward Kofi Louis
Love
❤️
From
Jenny
Jenny Sky Is The Limit 
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