Valletta

Valletta, population 9,129 (1994), is the capital of Malta. Valletta is a 16th century site, with many buildings from the time of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (the Knights Hospitaller, or Knights of Malta), the long-time rulers of the city and the island. It is named after the founder, Grandmaster Jean de la Vallette. In Maltese it is colloquially known as il-Belt, simply meaning "the city". The city was damaged by air raids in World War II.

Valletta is built on a peninsula, which is fed by two natural harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. It was founded in March, 1566, with the laying of the first stone of a church.

The city contains several churches; the most noteworthy being St John's Co-Cathedral, formerly the Knights' church, with many monuments; the former Grand Master's Palace (now the Maltese Parliament), and a National Museum of Fine Arts. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The population of Valletta has steadily decreased over the years, reduced to about a third of its peak. This process was heavily accelerated because of World War II.

The Maltese buses operate mostly on routes to or from the city, with the terminus just before the city's entrance. Traffic within the city itself is restricted, with some principal roads completely pedestrianised and with the requirement of a permit acquired with an additional fee along with yearly car registration.