Valletta Attractions

Stroll Republic Street to meet the island's friendly populace. The Palace of the Grand Master, on Republic Street, is a grand residence completed in 1574 for Grandmaster Jean Parisot de la Valette. Today the palace is the seat of the president and Parliament of the Republic of Malta. Inside are portraits of European monarchs and the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John, a furniture collection, Gobelin tapestries, and frescoes, friezes, and other artworks. Admission is 2€ ($2.65). The outside of St. John's Co-Cathedral, St. John's Square (www.stjohnscocathedral.com), built between 1573 and 1577, is rather austere, but the interior is gorgeous and holds art treasures such as Caravaggio's The Beheading of St. John, as well as a collection of Flemish tapestries, silver objects, and church vestments. Admission is 6€ ($8).

One of the oldest theaters in Europe, Manoel Theatre, Old Theatre St. (tel. 356/22-26-18), was built by the Portuguese Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena in 1731 and is still home to a constant round of performances. Admission is about 2€ ($2.65).

Those who want to get a handle on Malta's history can take in The Malta Experience audiovisual presentation, Mediterranean Conference Center, Old Hospital St. (www.themaltaexperience.com). The 45-minute presentation is offered on the hour Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm, Saturday to Sunday between 11am and 2pm. Admission is about 9.50€ ($12.50).