Republic Street, Valletta

Republic Street is the main artery of Valletta and the center of the capital’s administrative life. Stretching for just one kilometer, it runs straight from City Gate to the granaries beside Fort Saint Elmo, forming the backbone of the city’s grid. Today it is primarily pedestrian, making it an easy and enjoyable place to explore on foot.

As you walk along Republic Street, you will see many of Malta’s key institutions and landmarks. You will pass the modern Parliament of Malta near the entrance, followed by the Courts of Justice and the Grand Master’s Palace further along. The street also intersects several important squares, each offering different views of Valletta’s government buildings, churches, cafés, and small museums.

Down the street, you will find yourself moving through centuries of Maltese history. Don’t miss the traditional shopfronts and the contrast between older limestone facades and recent restorations. This is one of the best places to watch daily life unfold—office workers, shoppers, and visitors all sharing the same historic path.

Republic Street has carried many names. Laid out soon after the Great Siege of 1565, it was originally called San Giorgio Street. Under French rule it became National Street, followed by Royal Road during the early British period. In 1936 it was renamed Kingsway, a name many older residents still remember. After independence, it received its present name: Republic Street.

Bombed during World War II and later rebuilt, the street remains the heart of Valletta—busy, historic, and central to understanding the city.