Valletta, a World Heritage City is the finest fortified city in Europe and still bears the scars from its deep and violent history. Built from the plans of Vatican architect, Francisco Laperelli, the city still has much of its splendour from the 16th Century although now incorporates a modern shopping centre and European style cafes. There is so much to see in Valletta from St John's Cathedral to the stunning views from the Barracca Gardens. Although much restored after the pounding from World War II the city remains a delight combining Laperelli's original designs and Cassar's magnificent architecture. The Valletta outline, with the bastion walls enveloped protectively around it, and its skyline of rectangular masses varied only by a koppola or church spire, remains one of Europe's great cityscapes.

Once through the City Gates, you will enter into the city's main streets which leads all the way down to Fort St Elmo. The historical focus of the city is also the main shopping area and is usually bustling with people using the cafes, small shopping malls and popular boutiques. On the right hand side is the bomb site of where the Royal Opera House used to stand before World War II. Walking along for 200metres is the imposing Archaeological Museum, which is home to prehistoric pottery, tomb furniture from the Roman and Punic periods, sculptures and personal ornaments recovered from the megalithic temples.

Continuing along Republic Street is St John's Square (Piazza San Gwann) with St John's Co-Cathedral. Although rather plain and bland from the front, inside the interior is truly amazing in its wealth and detail. It is highly regarded and is deemed as one of the most important and stunning monuments on the island.

Just a little bit further along Triq il-Meditteran is Lower Barracca Gardens which offers the Siege Bell, Sir Alexander Bell Statue and good sea views. The Church of St Paul Shipwreck, situated close in Triq San Pawl is Valletta's hidden gem, featuring an ornate baroque interior and claims to be in possession of the wrist bone of St Paul and half of the column on which he was beheaded. Further up and towards the sea is Upper Barracca Gardens and is the highest point of the 16th Century bastion walls that the Knights of the Order of St John built. The view of The Grand Harbour is simply breathtaking and is worth the visit to Valletta on its own. From Fort St Angelo to the industrial dockyards, the panoramic view is quite simply stunning.