Merħba il-Valletta: welcome to Valletta, the capital of Malta.  Valletta is a World Heritage Site, small in scale, easy to explore and known for its stunning coastal views and gorgeous architecture.  Here you can 'meet' such varied characters from history as St Paul, Caravaggio and the Knights of St John and learn some of the island's most inspiring stories: how Malta triumphed during the Great Siege of 1565 and why the island was awarded the George Cross during World War II.     This is the introduction to our Valletta series and the remaining 7 episodes will bring you all the background history and culture you need to really understand the city.  In short, here is all the research you’d do yourself if only you had the time!  See below for reading ideas and useful links. Two useful websites for touristsVisit Malta   Malta Uncovered    3 Guide BooksPocket Rough Guide to Malta and Gozo  Lonely Planet Malta and GozoEyewitness Top 10 Malta and Gozo 4 History BooksThe History of Malta by Nuria RehnFortress Island Malta by Peter JacobsLadies of Lascaris by Paul McDonaldA Death in Malta by Paul Caruana Galizia Maltese CookingTaste of Malta by Anton B Dougall 2 Novels set in MaltaThe Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas MonserratSecrets of Malta by Cecily Blench City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time!Check our website to find more episodes from our Valletta series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.ukAnd if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode.  That would be very much appreciated