Valletta Architectural Landmarks Tour (Self Guided), Valletta

Following the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the knights of the Order of St John set about creating a city ‘built by gentlemen, for gentlemen’. The end result saw the island's capital become home to an array of elaborate Baroque buildings, some reflecting Mannerist features borrowed from neighboring Italy.

Many of these architectural monuments have proudly withstood the test of time since the 16th century, adding great elegance to the streets of Valletta, fit to impress even the most well-traveled visitor. Here is a rundown of some of the most awe-inspiring architectural landmarks not to be missed during your time in Valletta:

St. John's Co-Cathedral – a fort-like temple built by the Maltese knights in 1573-1578 shortly after the Great Siege.

Our Lady of Victories Church – designed to commemorate victory over the Ottomans during the Siege of Malta.

Auberge d'Italie – a former hotel built in the late 16th century to house knights of the Order of Saint John from the langue of Italy; now home to the National Community Art Museum.

Auberge de Castille – another ex-hotel; currently Office of the Prime Minister of Malta.

Manoel Theatre – reputed to be Europe's third-oldest working theater and the oldest working theater in the British Commonwealth.

Grandmaster's Palace and Armoury – officially known as The Palace, built between the 16th and 18th centuries as residence for the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, the then ruler of Malta.

Fort Saint Elmo - National War Museum – the star-shaped Fort, one of the most prominent and iconic features of Malta.

To acquaint yourself more closely with an assemblage of marvelous architecture found in the Maltese capital, check out this self-guided walking tour.