Valletta Malta History Cruise Port Guide

The Maltese archipelago consists of Malta, strategic location predestined Malta's history. Controlling the island was a prerequisite to domination of the Mediterranean. Consequently, the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Castilians, the Knights of St. John, the French, and finally the British all left their mark. The time of the Knights is the most glorious in Malta's history. Many relics and buildings bear testimony to the magnificence of this period; most are found in Valletta, the capital of the Maltese Islands.

The Knights of St. John arrived in the 16th century after being expelled from Rhodes by the Turks, who followed them to Valletta. During the Great Siege of Malta, 40,000 Turks battled 9,000 Knights, who emerged the victors.

The Knights administered the islands for 268 years, until 1798, when Napoleon Bonaparte drove them from Malta. Following a brief occupation, the French were forced to surrender in 1800, when Malta became a part of the British Empire. In 1964, Malta attained its independence, and 10 years later it became a Republic within the Commonwealth.

Valletta's many museums range from fine arts to martial history.

The main attractions include the Palace of the Grand Master, the Armory, St.

John's Co-Cathedral, and the 18th-century Manoel Theater.

Other parts of the island have quaint villages and medieval towns.

Please Note : Guests ending their cruise in Valletta will only be able to participate in the tour offered in the afternoon of the first day.