Valletta

Why it's the capital

After the Order of St John defeated the Ottomans in the Great Siege of 1565, Grand Master Jean de Valette set out to build a new fortified city. He laid the foundation stone on 28 March 1566, and on 18 March 1571 it replaced Birgu as the capital. The city carries his name.

Fun facts

1. Valletta covers only 0.61 square kilometres, making it the smallest capital city in the European Union.
2. St John's Co-Cathedral holds Caravaggio's largest painting, which is also the only work he ever signed.
3. Its streets follow a rectangular grid plan, running wide and straight from the City Gate to Fort Saint Elmo.