We arrived in Valletta, Malta, in the late afternoon. This is our hotel, The Grand Harbour, right on the ocean.
The Grand Harbour Hotel.
Valletta is all marble and rock buildings and staircases. No trees or water!! This is a lovely building across from our hotel, which is a perfect example of Malta architecture.
At night, Valletta is stunning.
That bridge over the road is actually a bar! The bar owners even put cushions on the stairs for people to sit and drink. I think I'm in love.
Nighttime in Valletta.
Our hotel was on the edge of the island, and this is the beacon over the ocean.
The next morning, we took a walking tour around Valletta. This is the Lower Barrakka Gardens.
The lovely Greek theater in the Lower Gardens.
Up close, it's a combination of Greek and African palm trees.
Beyond the Lower Barrakka Gardens is the Mediterranean Sea, and the "Three Islands" of Malta: Malta, and seen here, Gozo and Comino.
Also across from the Lower Barrakka Gardens is the Siege Bell Memorial. It was erected in 1992 to commemorate the awarding of the George Cross, and the WWII Siege from 1940-43. Note the enormous tomb on the right. symbolizing the Knights of Malta.
The UK awarded the George Cross to Malta, as it was the MOST BOMBED PLACE EVER IN HISTORY during the siege. Only 1 other group has received the George Cross- the Northern Irish Police Force.
We took a walk along Valletta's waterside periphery.
The Joneses conquer Malta!
We continued walking along the city walls...
...and came to this museum at Fort St Elmo, which has the Eye of Osiris carved into the walls. Malta has a LOT of these eyes.
Valletta's houses all have these colored windowed balconies that flourished in the Middle Ages, so wealthy ladies could people-watch without being seen from the street.
The city and its stone buildings run right up to the sea.
The entire city of Valletta is just white stone buildings and staircases. It's amazing.
Valletta and Marsaxlokk, Malta