A luminous Christmas in the citadel of the knights, Valletta, capital of the Republic of Malta, rises on a narrow peninsula facing the Mediterranean, protected by the natural harbors of Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbour. The citadel was born after the Great Siege of 1565, when the Knights of St. John decided to found and fortify a new city on this natural promontory. Construction began in 1566 under the direction of the military engineer Francesco Laparelli, with the support of Pope Pius V and King Philip II of Spain, and the new capital was dedicated to Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette, the highest military, spiritual and administrative authority of the knights on the island.
During the Christmas season, this historic layout gains an extra layer of charm. The main streets, especially Republic Street and Merchant Street, are adorned with lights, garlands, and photogenic installations that complement the Baroque architecture. Decorated Christmas trees appear on every corner, creating a spontaneous route for residents, families, and visitors. In the main square, a large tree ornamented with glass plates, produced using the country's most renowned glassmaking technique, becomes a symbol of the season. In the historic center, a beautiful, well-assembled, and articulated nativity scene reinforces the religious dimension that structures the Christmas spirit in Valletta.
Markets, flavors, and family experiences
Christmas markets help shape the city's emotional landscape. Valletta hosts smaller versions of themed fairs in the cathedral area and central streets, featuring Maltese crafts, traditional foods, Christmas sweets, and local gifts. Nearby, the Natalis Notabilis festival, held in Rabat, a neighboring city popular with those staying in or visiting Valletta, expands the itinerary for those wishing to explore the region.
At the entrance to the capital, Fairyland – Santa's City occupies the Triton Fountain area, transforming the city's access into a seasonal park. The structure includes a Ferris wheel with views of the harbor and the city walls, a carousel, Santa's house, food trucks, and themed stalls, forming a playful gateway right in front of the triton fountain. The Triton Fountain (Il-Funtana tat-Tritoni) is the result of a winning project launched in 1953, with construction and installation in the 1950s, and major works between 1952 and 1959. Created by sculptor Vincent Apap, in collaboration with designer Victor Anastasi, it replaced older structures and established a new arrival point in Valletta, with a bronze triton sculpture group and a large public space that serves as a meeting area and photographic backdrop for the old city.
Gastronomy is a crucial part of the Christmas experience. During this period, delicacies such as qagħaq tal-għasel (Maltese honey cake), Christmas pudding, and imbuljuta tal-qastan (a hot chestnut and chocolate drink) emerge, in addition to special menus prepared by Valletta's restaurants. In 2025, the Michelin Guide confirmed Malta as one of the most prestigious gastronomic destinations in the Mediterranean. In Valletta, ION Harbour boasts two Michelin stars, while six restaurants on the island have one star — De Mondion, Noni, Under Grain, Fernandõ Gastrotheque, Rosamì, and Le GV. In total, the guide recognizes 43 establishments in Malta and Gozo, distributed among starred restaurants, Bib Gourmand, and Michelin Recommended, reinforcing the strength and diversity of the local gastronomy.
For families, the city offers a program with children's activities, workshops, storytelling, and puppet shows. The compact historic center makes walking easy, and horse-drawn carriages allow visitors to symbolically relive medieval times, adding to the visual charm of the illuminated streets and squares.
Valletta of the Knights and the Metropolitan Region
The presence of the Knights of St. John is at the origin of the city and in the way it is organized to this day. The Order of Malta, officially the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, is a Catholic religious order and, at the same time, a sovereign entity with more than 900 years of history. Its members—knights and dames—generally Catholic, assume spiritual commitments and act in humanitarian activities. There are professed members, who take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and there are lay knights and dames, who do not take religious vows but commit themselves to the mission of the order.
With military origins in the Crusades, the Order of Malta today focuses its activities on humanitarian and medical action, aid to refugees and war victims, health projects, rescue and emergency services, and various social works around the world. Although it no longer has its own territory since the loss of Malta in 1798, it is recognized as a subject of international law, maintains diplomatic relations with more than 100 countries, and issues passports.
Within its historic walls, Valletta is home to 5,157 residents. Its metropolitan area, however, extends across a contiguous network of towns totaling approximately 393,938 inhabitants. Floriana, Sliema, Gżira, Msida, Birkirkara, Qormi, Paola, Hamrun, and other adjacent towns surround the old citadel like rings of stone and modern life, forming a sprawling urban region around the ancient stronghold of the knights.
Architecture, viewpoints and strategic routes
The urban design conceived from 1566 onwards generated a unique concentration of historic buildings, now reinterpreted in the light of the contemporary city. Right at the entrance, the Parliament House (New Parliament Building / Il-Parlament), built between 2011 and 2015 and inaugurated on May 4, 2015, houses the Parliament of Malta. With architecture designed by Renzo Piano's firm, it integrates the City Gate regeneration project. The Gozitan stone building incorporates energy efficiency solutions, such as geothermal energy and solar panels, and redesigns the urban landscape of the main access to the capital.
The Church of Our Lady of Victory, completed in 1566, was the first church in Valletta. Built by order and with funding from Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette as thanks for the victory in the siege, it became the first building of the new city and symbolizes the immediate link between urban foundation and the religious and ceremonial identity of the Order. Nearby, the Auberge de Castille, whose original existence dates back to the 16th century (circa 1573–1574, designed by Girolamo Cassar) and which was rebuilt in Baroque style between 1741 and 1744 by Andrea Belli, is considered one of the most imposing buildings in the capital. The former headquarters of the Knights of Castile, León and Portugal now houses the Prime Minister's office and preserves exceptional architectural and symbolic value.
St. John's Co-Cathedral, begun in 1572 and completed around 1577, was designed by Girolamo Cassar as a conventual church and main chapel of the Order. Its richly Baroque interior, the work of Mattia Preti, features a floor with approximately 400 knights' tombs and houses Caravaggio's largest and only signed work, "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist," solidifying the temple as a European artistic jewel. The Grandmaster's Palace, built between the late 16th and 18th centuries—with work beginning in 1574 and the incorporation of structures from 1569–1571—was the official residence and administrative headquarters of the Grand Master. Later, it housed Parliament (1921–2015) and today is the address of the President's Office, with the State Rooms, the Palace Armoury, and a collection of significant heritage and museum value.
Among the most iconic attractions are the Upper Barrakka Gardens, located on the upper level of Saints Peter and Paul Bastion, part of the 16th-century fortifications. The terrace arches were built in 1661 by the Italian knight Fra Flaminio Balbiani, initially as a private recreation area for the Italian-speaking knights of the Order of Saint John. After the Priests' Revolt in 1775, the roof of the arcades was removed, and after the end of the French occupation in 1800, the gardens were opened to the public. Today, they are one of the most iconic viewpoints in the capital, offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the three historic cities — Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla) — as well as connections to the Barrakka Lift and great scenic and historical value.
On Merchant Street, planned in the 1566 city plan, the Is-Suq tal-Belt (Valletta Food Market) occupies a 19th-century market building, originally covered in 1859 and reopened as a food market in 2018 after rehabilitation. Today, the address brings together traditional street commerce, cafes, shops, and a contemporary gastronomic offering amidst historic buildings. Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century mansion built by Don Pietro La Rocca and the residence of the Piro family for about 350 years, functions as a living house-museum. The space opens historic rooms to the public, displays private collections of costumes, lace, and furniture, and preserves World War II shelters in the basement, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a Maltese noble family over the centuries.
At the tip of the peninsula, Fort St. Elmo, with structures already mentioned since the 15th century, was transformed into a star-studded fort between approximately 1552 and the 1570s. Built and expanded by the Order of St. John, with contributions from the engineer Pietro Pardo in part of the 16th-century works and later British improvements, the fort played a decisive role in the defense of the peninsula's extreme point and in protecting the Grand Harbour during the Great Siege of 1565. Today, it houses the National War Museum, offers expansive sea views, and remains a living monument to Mediterranean defense.
The main square used for open-air concerts in Valletta's historic center is St. George's Square, which transforms its monumental setting into a stage for cultural events and musical performances. Surrounded by historic buildings, the square comes alive with outdoor productions that blend heritage, art, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Maltese capital. Street musicians and live shows in bars are common throughout the city, and the former Royal Opera House, located in the upper part of Valletta, functions as an open-air concert hall, reinforcing the link between historical architecture and contemporary programming.
Guides, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and cinematic magic.
Audrey Marie Bartolo is an excellent choice for exploring Valletta: an actress striving for stardom and a tour guide in Malta, she has in-depth knowledge of the country, speaks English, Maltese, Italian, and Spanish, is a master of the audiovisual industry, and guides visitors with a comedic tone that connects behind-the-scenes productions with local daily life.
Christmas in Valletta is truly special: it enchants children, involves families, and surprises adults with the almost cinematic charm that takes over the streets, squares, and historic facades. The city is naturally photogenic, a setting for international productions, and a place that welcomes families, groups of friends, couples, and all who are passionate about the magic of Christmas.
Reporting and photo: Mary de Aquino.