Valletta meaning

VALLETTA, or Valetta, the capital of Malta (since 1570).

On the main promontory, with Valletta, stands the suburb Floriana; Fort St Elmo, with a lighthouse, stands on the extremity of the promontory; the suburb Sliema lies on the point which encloses the Marsamuschetto harbour; Fort Ricasoli on the opposite point enclosing the east, Grand, or Great Harbour.

The streets of Valletta, paved with stone, run along and across the ridge, and end on each side towards the water in steep flights of steps.

Roman Catholic churches in Valletta are very numerous; the cathedral of S.

The knights strengthened Valletta and its harbour by bastions, curtain-walls, lines and forts, towards the sea, towards the land and on every available point, taking advantage in every particular of the natural rock and of the marvellous advantages of situation, rendering it then almost impregnable.