Living in Valletta : the liveability of a historic city

Abstract

This short paper will consider the liveability of Valletta today, based on my experience as a resident bringing up a young family in Valletta over the past decade. It will focus on four key themes, not because they are the only issues, or even the most important, but simply because I have become acutely aware of them, as areas where Valletta’s liveability is under threat. These are (i) shorelines, (ii) soundscapes (iii) viewscapes (iv) social fabric & affordable housing Valletta is no stranger to sieges, and is today once again under siege. First conceived as a consequence of the siege of Rhodes, it was then created in the wake of the siege of 1565. After witnessing further sieges in the Napoleonic period, it suffered much punishment during the Second World War. Today it is under a siege of a different kind, which is however no less of a threat to its fabric, its sense of place, and the quality of life of its residents. The effects of this new siege will be examined in each of the four areas listed above.