Republic Street is the main road through Valletta, around which the capital city's government is centered. It's primarily pedestrian-only and is only one kilometer long.

The street starts at the City Gate and runs to the granaries at Fort Saint Elmo. Along the way, it intersects several important squares and buildings. Among the many museums and government buildings, you'll see the Parliament of Malta, the Courts of Justice, and the Grandmaster's Palace.

Throughout the island's history, Republic Street has had several names. When it was first laid out after the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, it was known as San Giorgio Street. Even then, it was the main street of the city.

The street was later renamed National Street under French rule, and then Royal Road during the Crown Colony of Malta's time. In 1936 it was named Kingsway by Prime Minister Sir Gerald Strickland during the British colonial period.

Republic Street was the target of bombing during World War II and was heavily damaged. The street is one of the best places to stroll through the most important sights of Valletta.

Saint John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta symbolizes the Knights of Malta's rich heritage. Constructed between 1573 and 1578, following its commission in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière, it served as the conventual church for the Order of the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John. The design of this architectural masterpiece was entrusted to the Maltese military architect Glormu Cassar, who is also credited with the design of several other notable buildings in Valletta.

Built in the aftermath of the Great Siege of 1565, the cathedral's exterior presents a stark, fortress-like appearance, reflecting the military prowess and resilience of the Knights. This austere external facade contrasts sharply with the cathedral's interior, which is a lavish celebration of the Baroque period's artistic exuberance.

The interior of Saint John's Co-Cathedral is renowned for its breathtaking ornamentation. The walls, intricately carved by the talented artist Preti, are adorned with scenes from the life of Saint John, seamlessly blending with the vaulted ceiling to create a harmonious and spiritually uplifting space. Preti's use of shadows and strategic placement imbues the painted figures on the ceiling with a lifelike three-dimensionality, initially giving the illusion of statuary. This effect is a testament to the artist's skillful manipulation of perspective and light.

Remarkably, the detailed carvings were executed directly onto the cathedral's walls, a testament to the artisans' dedication and the craftsmanship of the period. This method, foregoing the practice of attaching pre-carved pieces, ensured a unique integration of the artwork with the architectural elements, enhancing the cohesiveness and immersive quality of the interior space.

Saint John's Co-Cathedral thus serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural treasure, encapsulating the artistic, historical, and spiritual heritage of Malta and the knightly order that shaped much of its history.

Tip:
Get there early! This is a very popular attraction and the groups and cruise ship passengers are already starting to descend by 10:30 or so.

The Grandmaster's Palace, also known as The Palace, was constructed from the 16th to the 18th centuries. It served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John, the leaders of Malta, and was alternatively referred to as the Magisterial Palace. Over time, it transitioned into the Governor's Palace and now hosts the Office of the President of Malta. Visitors can explore parts of the building, including the Palace State Rooms and the Palace Armory, thanks to Heritage Malta which operates it as a museum.

The front of the Grandmaster's Palace showcases a Mannerist architectural style, known for its simplicity and restraint, a hallmark of its designer, Cassar. The front is notably asymmetrical, a result of various modifications over the years. It features two primary entrances, each with an arched doorway set within a decorative frame, leading to an overhead balcony. The building also sports traditional closed timber balconies at its corners, with both the framed entrances and balconies being additions from the 18th century. Originally, the palace's exterior was coated in red ochre, a pigment the Order used to denote public buildings.

Since 1860, the Palace Armory, an extensive collection of arms within the Grandmaster's Palace, has been accessible to the public. It served as the Order of Saint John's main armory in the 17th and 18th centuries, marking the last such arsenal created by a crusading military order. Although only part of the original collection remains today, it still ranks among the largest collections of arms and armor kept in their original location globally.

The palace is organized around two courtyards, with one featuring a Neptune statue. The collection ranges from actual armor worn in battles on Maltese soil against Arab or Byzantine forces to swords and cannons, offering a vivid journey through history.

Tip:
The armory can also be visited on a joint ticket with the nearby Palace State Rooms, which are full of history and beautiful to look at. To get to the rooms, there are four flights of stairs or a lift to take.

Initially known as Treasury Square due to its hosting of the Order of Saint John's treasury, this area was later renamed Queen's Square after a statue of Queen Victoria was placed there during the British era. Nowadays, it's officially called Republic Square, but many people still refer to it as Queen's Square.

On the northwest side, you'll find a significant building, the Common Treasure House, which stored important documents and financial records for the Order of Saint John. Over time, this building has served various purposes, including government offices, a hotel, and a cinema. It suffered damage during World War II but was repaired and is now the Casino Maltese, with cafes and shops occupying the ground level. One notable spot here is Cafe Cordina.

The southeast side faces the National Library of Malta, a necessity for more space for the Order's growing collection of books. Designed by Stefano Ittar, a Polish-Italian architect, the library was completed in 1796.

The square's northeast side is next to the Grandmaster's Palace, the official residence of Malta's ruler, while the southwest side features a shopping arcade. Today, the square is a lively area with outdoor cafes and restaurants.

The Valletta Waterfront, located in Floriana, is a picturesque promenade distinguished by three notable buildings: a centrally positioned Church of the Flight into Egypt, the Pinto Stores (also known as the Pinto Wharf) to the left, and the Forni Stores (or Forni Shopping Complex) to the right.

Originally established in July 1727 by Grand Master Anton Manuel de Vilhena, the Valletta Marina underwent subsequent development in 1752 under the direction of Grandmaster Manuel Pinto de Fonseca. This expansion saw the addition of 19 impressive stores and a church, all designed in the Baroque style attributed to Andrea Belli.

During World War II, the area suffered significant damage from aerial bombardment due to its proximity to the Malta Dockyard and British naval forces in Grand Harbour. However, extensive restoration efforts were undertaken post-war to revive and enhance the waterfront.

Today, management of the Valletta Waterfront falls under a private consortium, overseeing Malta's cruise liner operations. The waterfront boasts approximately twelve restaurants, several bars, and retail outlets. It serves as a venue for various events, including the Malta Jazz Festival and the Malta Fireworks Festival.

The Church of the Flight into Egypt, constructed in 1752 alongside the stores, endured bombing during World War II. However, damaged portions were faithfully reconstructed to match the original design, with restored original elements. Mass is conducted at the church every Saturday evening. Additionally, a bronze image of Jesus's face, originally affixed to the church, now adorns the facade of the Co-Cathedral of Saint John in Valletta.

Recognized for their historical significance, the Pinto Stores were designated as a grade 1 national monument and listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands (NICPMI), having been included on the Antiquities List of 1925.