Valletta Guided Walking Tour with Access to St. John’s Cathedral

Board a comfy ride from your hotel and journey into the heart of the UNESCO-listed city of Valletta.

Valletta from a fresh perspective

Yes, you’ll walk through the city’s iconic cobblestone streets as you admire honey-hued limestone buildings peppered with colorful wooden balconies. But your knowledgeable tour guide will also paint you a vivid picture of how these streets transformed over the past 500 years! Learn about the 4 turbulent months that ripped the city apart and how the location of the 4 island cities drove a victorious military strategy. Spot the other 3 islands from the Upper Barrakka Gardens as you admire the best panoramic view in the city.

St. John’s Cathedral

With a simple upgrade, you can visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral on a guided tour and find out all about how the Order of the Knights of St. John spent 12 years building this opulent structure adorned with Baroque elements. Its carved stone walls, painted vaulted ceilings, and gilded altars will wow you for sure. But what will really blow your mind is the marbled flooring of the cathedral inlaid with ornate tombs and memorials commemorating 400 Knights of Europe. Another treasure you’ll find here is the only signed artwork of Caravaggio, ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’.

Finish off with a gripping audio-visual show about Malta, its culture, its history, and its people.

Valletta Guided Walking Tour with Access to St. John’s Cathedral

Discover Valletta's rich history and stunning architecture on this guided walking tour that includes comfortable hotel transfers, expert commentary in English, German, Italian, Spanish, and Polish, and access to the UNESCO-listed city's most iconic landmarks. This 4-hour itinerary covers approximately 2 miles of walking through narrow streets and historic squares, offering a comprehensive look at Valletta’s 500-year history. Key highlights include visits to St. John’s Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Grandmaster’s Palace, the National Museum of Archaeology, and Fort Saint Elmo. With stops at these five major sites, you’ll see over a dozen historical buildings and learn about the city's pivotal role in European history through engaging commentary provided by knowledgeable guides.

Explore Valletta’s UNESCO-Listed Streets

Your tour starts with a walk along Valletta's UNESCO-listed streets where you'll experience firsthand how this fortified city was built between 1566 and 1570. Spanning an area of about 842 acres, the historic center is home to over 300 significant historical buildings. Highlights include the Grandmaster’s Palace, which dates back to 1571 and now houses the Office of the President; St. John’s Cathedral, built between 1573 and 1610 with its impressive Baroque interior featuring Caravaggio's only signed painting, "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist"; and Fort Saint Elmo, constructed in 1533 to protect the port entrance. Visitors typically spend around 2 hours exploring these sites, immersing themselves in Valletta’s unique blend of military architecture and religious art. This tour stands out from others by offering a deep dive into Maltese history through its well-preserved structures, making it an essential experience for anyone interested in European fortifications.

Admire the Baroque-Style Tombs at St. John’s Cathedral

Your tour stops at St. John’s Cathedral where you’ll have exclusive access to admire the baroque-style tombs of 400 Knights of Malta encased in marble, dating back to the late 16th century. The cathedral itself was constructed between 1573 and 1610 and is renowned for its intricate frescoes and detailed sculptures. Among the highlights are Caravaggio’s only signed painting, "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist," which adds a unique artistic element to this historical site. Visitors typically spend about an hour exploring the cathedral's interior, learning about the Knights' legacy and the city’s resilience during the Great Siege of 1565 when Ottoman forces attempted but failed to conquer Malta. This stop is particularly significant because it offers insight into both religious and military history within one location.

Witness the Salute of Cannons at Upper Barrakka Gardens

The tour continues with a visit to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where you can witness the daily cannon salute that celebrates Valletta’s resilience. This tradition dates back to 1720 when cannons were fired as a sign of respect and fortitude against enemy threats. The gardens cover approximately 3 acres and offer panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, providing visitors with an opportunity to reflect on Malta's tenacity and military history. Tourists usually spend around half an hour here enjoying both the historical reenactment and the scenic beauty. This site is unique as it combines natural beauty with historical significance, making it a must-see for anyone interested in understanding Valletta’s strategic importance.

Tour Highlights

• Walk Valletta's UNESCO-listed streets
• Explore Grandmaster’s Palace and its history
• Admire St. John’s Cathedral with baroque tombs
• Witness cannon salute at Upper Barrakka Gardens
• Visit Fort Saint Elmo’s military architecture
• Learn about Maltese resilience during Ottoman siege
• Enjoy commentary in 5 languages: English, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish
• Access National Museum of Archaeology with unique artifacts

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and culture seekers, this guided walking tour provides an immersive experience through Valletta’s historic sites. The itinerary allows you to explore the Grandmaster’s Palace, delve into St. John’s Cathedral's art treasures, and witness the daily cannon salute at Upper Barrakka Gardens, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Valletta’s strategic importance and cultural heritage.