April 13, 2025
Today Palm Sunday we are visiting Valletta, the Capital of Malta. Valletta is the smallest capital of all of the EU countries with only 6000 people. the country of Malta consist out of 3 major islands and several inhabited islands. Total population approximately 565,000.
Our entrance into the harbour of Valletta was quite spectacular, with its old ruines from the 16th century on both sides of the harbour entrance. Our mooring place for the day was lined with 16th century buildings. For today we are on a 4hr walking tour of the old Capital City of Mdina and the new Capitol City of Valletta. First we boarded the bus to take us to Mdina which is situated in the center of the island. The oldest building today dates back to the year 1233. Some older ruins of the city date back to 700BC. Today the historical buildings are being occupied by noble families. Only approximately 100 people are living in the old city, accompanied by a few souvenir and ice cream stores. The streets are all slightly curved, I was told that is in order to get away from the bow and arrow intruders in the old days. When walking through these streets it is really like going back in time to the Middle Ages.
After our visit to Mdina, the bus took us to the outskirts of Valletta. From here we started our walking tour through this historical city, dating back to the 16th Centurie. As it was Sunday today, there were a lot of families out today. We were lucky that it was only our cruise boat in town. I can see that it can be very busy here during the summer months with tourists. Today Valletta is much of a commercial center for shopping, bars,dining and cafe life, surrounded by beautiful historical buildings. We were lucky to be able to have a peek into the cathedral.
After the end of our excellent guided tour, we chose to stay in the City. As it was after 4 by now we stopped for dinner at one of the numerous outdoor patios. Carol decided on the Maltese specialty dinner of Rabbit stew, I personally settled for the fish and chips combined with the lager special. After our dinner we stopped at a few souvenir shops before we took the elevator to the lower part of the City. From here we walked toward our boat. Our legs were very happy when we gave them a break from all the walking we did today.
I surely recommend visiting this city if you have a chance in the future. There is so much history packed in such a small area. Great Stop.
On a sour note some of our fellow travellers decided to take a ride on the Hop on Hop off bus for the day. Unfortunately the bus was involved in an accident, but after medical attention they were able to get back on the ship before our departure.
Cheers
Cor and Carol
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