The Valletta that no longer exists

Abstract

Extracted from Bonello’s book 'Valletta - Lost City' Volume 1, the article maps out the origins and evolution of Malta’s capital city. Rising from the siege of 1565, Valletta was built on virgin land with a military agenda in mind. As a fortress or as the author calls it, a ‘living military engine’, it then catered to its human settlements which nursed a new city into existence. Bonello refers to the revolutionary urban planning that took place, from aesthetics, to hygiene, comfort and security. He also refers to some of the primary debates during the process: from street patterns to land boundaries. The involvement of both local and international military engineers and architects are also mentioned, from Malta’s own Genga, Fratino, Laparelli, Girolamo Cassar to Italy’s Andrea Doria, Ascanio Della Corgna, Gabrio Serbelloni.