Photos

Dear TE Friends,
Sliema's elegant hotels are visible on the left side on the photo. Valletta's fortress and buildings are visible in the background. I hope, you like the view.

Marsamxett Harbour, also referred as Marsamuscetto in many ancient documents, is the northern of Valletta's two natural harbours on the island of Malta, separated from the southern one (Grand Harbour) by the Valetta peninsular. To the north it is bounded by Gżira and Sliema as far as Dragut Point and extends inland to Pietà and Msida. It is generally more dedicated to leisure use than is Grand Harbour; there is a large yacht marina at Msida and tourist cruise boats operate from Sliema. Within the harbour and reached by a small bridge from Gzira, Manoel Island houses a yacht yard and the 18th century Fort Manoel.

Sliema (or Tas-Sliema) is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta. It is a center for shopping, restaurants and café life. Sliema is also a major commercial and residential area and houses several of Malta's most modern hotels (on the left side). Sliema, which means 'peace, comfort', was once a quiet fishing village on the peninsula across Marsamxett Harbour from Valletta, but now Sliema and the coastline up to neighbouring St. Julian's constitutes Malta's main coastal resort.

Valletta, Malta’s capital and a World Heritage site, is nothing short of an open-air museum. It is a living experience of Baroque architecture, a monument donated by the Knights of St John nearly five centuries ago. Throughout the years, Valletta has welcomed emperors, heads of state, artists and poets and is now the permanent seat of the Maltese government.

Dotted with quaint cafés and wine bars, the city is today one of Malta’s main tourist attractions, hosting among others, the majestic St John’s Co- Cathedral, the imposing bastions and a treasure of priceless paintings. It also provides a stunning snapshot of Malta’s Grand Harbour, often described as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.

Valletta and its Harbours have always responded to the dynamics of time and change. From a Maritime SuperCity of the 17th Century Valletta developed into a Cultural and Commercial Hub in the 18th Century, becoming yet again the strongest Naval Base in the Mediterranean during the 19th and mid-20th Century.

Valletta and its harbours developed from a Port of War to a Port of Peace and from a Port of Heavy Industry to a Port of Culture and Tourism. Valletta is considered to be one of the finest harbours in the World and a unique experience to all seafarers and passengers sailing on the luxury yachts and liners.
(Source: mataguide & cityofvalletta.org)