Valletta is a port city in Malta. It is also the island nation’s capital city. Having preserved most of its 16th century heritage structures, it was among the first sites designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
For those looking to find out more about the early years of the port city, a visit to the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta – Malta is highly recommended.
Location
The National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta – Malta is located at Auberge de Provence along Republic Street; a few minutes off the City Gate.
Getting There
There are public buses that regularly run around the city so getting to the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta – Malta shouldn’t be a problem. If you’re up for it, you can also walk around the city as it is quite small.
However, there are some areas that require an uphill climb.
You can likewise rent a horse cart to take you to your destination. Horse carts actually provide a more relaxing way of touring the city and they add a unique kind of experience as not a lot of cities in other parts of the globe still use these as their mode of transport.
What to See and Do
The National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta – Malta houses a good number of artifacts dug – up during archeological expeditions in and around the city.
Ancient temple sites, necropolises and ancient towns were the main sites for the archeological digs and hence; most of the relics you will find inside the museum belong to the peoples who once dominated these sites.
Some of the items on permanent display here include various sculptures such as the Sleeping Lady from ?al Saflieni Hypogeum, Venus of Malta from the ?agar Qim Temples, Headless Seated Figure also from the ?agar Qim Temples and the Embracing Couple from the Tarxien Temples.
A glassy type of volcanic rock, Obsidian, is also on display here, from the site in Skorba. Various other pieces include a Tarxien Altar from the Tarxien Temples and the Floral Altar from the ?agar Qim Temples.
Brief History
The National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta – Malta is housed in a Baroque – style building known as Auberge de Provence. This structure was believed to have been constructed some time in 1571 and was formerly the residence of the Knights of the Order of Saint John.
The building was taken by the French Army in the year 1798. When the French Army left, Malta came under British control. At this point, the building served as a hotel and then as a military barracks.
On the 12th of August in the year 1955, the building was appointed as the official home of the National Museum. When the collection of the museum became extensive, it was decided that the collection be divided into separate categories.
In the year 1988, the National Museum of Archeology was opened to the public.
Cost
Entry fees into the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta – Malta are $ 5 per adult aged 18 years up to 59 years old; $ 3.50 for kids 12 up to 17 years of age as well as students and senior citizens; and $ 2.50 for kids 6 to 11 years of age.
Other Information
The National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta – Malta is open daily from 9 in the morning up to 7 in the evening. Last admission is at 6:30 in the evening.
