VALLETTA       

The capital was built by the French Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Jean Parisot de la Valette, after the epic siege of 1565. It dominates, in one wide sweep, the Island's historic Grand Harbour - the first natural port in Europe. Within its limited boundaries is reflected some of Malta's rich heritage of archaeology, history, art and culture. In the words of Disraeli it is a "city of palaces, built by gentlemen for gentlemen”.

Valletta contains buildings from the 16th century onwards, the city is essentially Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture in selected areas, though World War II left major scars on the city. The City of Valletta was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980..

Buildings of historic importance include St John's Co-Cathedral, formerly the Conventual Church of the Knights of Malta. It has the only signed work and largest painting by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The Auberge de Castille et Leon, formerly the official seat of the Knights of Malta of the Langue of Castille, Léon and Portugal, is now the office of the Prime Minister of Malta. The Magisterial Palace, built between 1571 and 1574 and formerly the seat of the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, now houses the Maltese Parliament and offices of the President of Malta.