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Underground Valletta — one of the most important examples of underground architecture in the world
For some, this Mediterranean country is all about year-round sunshine. For others, it’s one of the best places in the world for diving. Malta has even more to offer. Valletta delights even underground.
The origins of Valletta’s underground face date back to the 17th century. At that time, two important events occurred in the country’s history. At that time Malta was ruled by the Order of Malta. It obtained rights to it as a fief of the Kingdom of Sicily in 1530 from Emperor Charles V.
During the reign of this Catholic order of knights, Valletta became a strategic port in the Mediterranean. And here it is worth recalling that from the 16th to the 18th century, continental Europe was at war with the Ottoman Empire.
Valletta versus the Ottoman Empire
Control of the Mediterranean was crucial for European states. Because of its location, Malta dominated strategic trade routes. It was also vital to European fleets. Therefore, the capital’s port played a major role in politics and trade. However, it also had negative consequences.
Malta’s most important port was often surrounded by foreign armies. The watershed event was the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. At that…
