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The Church of St Paul the shipwrecked is on St Paul’s Street, this beautifully decorated Church is dedicated to St Paul’s shipwreck. Every year in February, a statue of St Paul is paraded through the streets to commemorate the day. This is one of the many religious festivals to take place on the Island and is very interesting to watch.
The Anglican Pro-Cathedral of St Paul was constructed in the neo-classical style, the spire is a Valletta landmark (which can be seen from as far as Sliema); it rises to over 60 metres (200 ft). The exuberant Corinthian columns and flags in the aisles, balance the ascetic exterior with its plain Ionic pillars.
The Manoel Theatre and museum, located on Old Theatre Street is one of the oldest theatres in Europe that is still being used. It is another fine example of architecture and culture. The theatre museum is housed next door to the theatre in Palazzo Bonici. There is an exhibition of memorabilia that depicts the history of theatre in Malta.
The Church dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Mount Carmel’ is just along from the Manoel Theatre on Old Theatre Street. It was the first Parish Church to be constructed in Valletta. It was severely damaged during World War Two and was rebuilt as the current structure.
The Lascaris War rooms are located just a few minutes walk from Valletta’s centre. Near the beginning of World War Two, 17th Century tunnels were turned into Military Operations rooms. Today, visitors can see the actual rooms where Allied Commanders led operations during the Battle of Malta (1940-1943). Models, charts and dioramas all add to the atmosphere of what it must have felt like during that period.
There are lots of shops in Valletta and it is surprising how cosmopolitan it really is here. The flea markets are exciting to have a wander round and you are sure to pick up a bargain or two.
Sliema is another main tourist resort and a large residential area, which is a little further north of Valletta. The main daytime or evening attraction here has got to be the promenade, which stretches for several km, with fantastic views of the sea and Valletta. Ideal for a long walk, there are lots of seats to just relax, sit back and soak in the views. The drawback is for most of the promenade the road next to it is quite busy, but it’s still a lovely walk. There are numerous hotels, bars and restaurants all along the promenade.
Spinola Bay is located in the heart of St Julian’s where you will see fishermen and their colourful traditional boats. This area has not lost its charm from day’s gone past, old architecture and the culture of St Julian’s is very unmistakable.
Although there is a small narrow piece of golden sand where Sliema meets St Julian's, for the most, it’s rocky. That doesn’t stop the locals or visitors from sunbathing and taking a dip in the sea. Scuba diving for beginners and experienced divers is offered along Tower Road and in the Qui Si Sana part of the seafront.
There is a regular ferry service which operates between Sliema, near the meeting of The Strand and Tower Road, and Valletta across Marsamxett harbour; it is a very steep incline from the quayside at Valletta.
Sea cruises are available, ranging from harbour cruises to full day cruises that go to Comino and the blue lagoon and more. If you have the budget, you can hire a charter Yacht complete with skipper for a half or full day. Most of these cruises depart from Sliema.
St Julian’s was once a small fishing village on Spinola and Balluta Bays. Now it is one of the main tourist resorts, along with Sliema, with numerous open air cafes, restaurants and bars. At only around 3km, it is still a pleasantly close resort to the main centre of Valletta.
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