Grand Master's Palace
The Grand Master was the head of the Order of the Knights of St John, and a total of 21 incumbents lived in this sumptuous building from 1575 until 1798, when the island was surrendered to Napoleon and the Order disbanded.

Republic Street
Tel: 2122 1221.

St John's Co-Cathedral
One of the largest and most spectacular churches in Europe, this 16th-century masterpiece boasts a spectacular floor laid almost entirely with some 400 marble tombstones dedicated to the Knights of St John, and flamboyant frescoes which cover the walls and tunnel-vaulted ceiling.

St John's Square
Tel: 2122 0536.

Fort St Elmo
This small star-shaped fort is where the bloodiest, most epic battle of the Great Siege of Malta was fought and its history is brought to life by daily guided tours and the spectacular In Guardia costumed re-enactment which is staged weekly.

Mediterranean Street

The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
The Hypogeum (the word means ‘underground chamber') is easily the most interesting and atmospheric of Malta's many famous prehistoric temples and because of its excellent state of preservation, it is the key to understanding Malta's ancient temple culture.

Cemetery Street, Paola, 5km (3 miles) south of Valletta
Tel: 2182 5579.
Website: www.heritagemalta.org
Admission is by guided tour only, and must be reserved in advance.

The Malta Experience
The best audio-visual show on the island, set in a historic building, offering an excellent introduction to the history and special sights of Malta and Gozo.

St Elmo Bastions, Mediterranean Street
Tel: 2124 3776 or 2125 1284.
Website: www.themaltaexperience.com