A fortified historic port : exploring the intersection between urban geomorphology, street morphology and touristic land use of Valletta, Senglea and Vittoriosa in the Grand Harbour of Malta

Abstract

This chapter explores the link between urban geomorphology, street network and tourism-oriented land use in the Grand Harbour of Malta, focusing on the walled historic conurbations of Valletta, Vittoriosa and Senglea. The Grand Harbour, a natural deep port formed by a submerged ria valley, has a long history of port activities and is flanked by these three walled cities each situated on prominent peninsulas, and interconnected through military and maritime history. Over the years, land transport in this area and beyond changed in relation to the activities and needs in Malta. Demographic trends also fluctuated according to the economic activities that dominated the harbour area, leading to different population densities. In this study, a range of primary data – field data collection and secondary data (GIS data from government entities) – were modelled on ArcGIS Pro V.3.3, with initial results showing correlations between geomorphological features and infrastructure variables such as staircase streets and stepped pavements, accommodating street gradients which exceed 10%. Digital Terrain Models were used to further illustrate the connection between geomorphology and the human element. This work highlights the significance of physical geography in shaping the urban form of walled port towns through street infrastructure and land use.