July 28 - Valletta

 July 28 - Valletta

Trying to beat the crowds today we had an early start to visit Valletta’s most important treasure, St John’s Co-Cathedral.  


Built in the late 16th century as a church for the Knights of St John, it became a co-cathedral in the 1820’s when the local Bishop started to share his function with the cathedral at Mdina.  On the outside, architecturally, there’s not a lot to it, but the Baroque interior is pretty spectacular.  With its magnificent ceiling frescoes, the lavishly gold decorated chapels and pillars (and practically everything else!), and the impressive marble floor tombs, this place is just stunning. Just to add to the whole experience as well the cathedral is home to two of Caravaggio’s more well known paintings, ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist” and ‘St Jerome Writing’. 

After leaving the cathedral our next stop was to the Fort of St Elmo, a fortress overlooking the Marsamxett and Grand harbours.  Constructed in the late 1500’s this impressive fortress was originally built by the Knights of St John to repel the Ottomans (now where have I heard that before?! 😆).  The Fort’s also home to a really interesting museum that covers all of Malta’s history, including a large exhibition on WWII.  They’ve even got on show the original George Cross medal that was bestowed on the country in 1942. 

Our third port of call today was to the Lower Barrakka Gardens, a slightly smaller version than the gardens above Battery Point.  Away from street traffic, and with flower gardens and a fountain, it was a lovely place to stop for a change of pace.  There was also plenty of shade as well which was welcome in the heat . All up a lovely spot for a break and to take in the sights of in and around the harbour.   



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