The foundation of Valletta

Abstract

Valletta was founded in the year 1566, though, 42 years before, its building had been contemplated by the Knights. In 1524, before the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem accepted the donation of the Emperor Charles V, at a council meeting of the Knights, it was decided to send a delegation to Malta, Gozo and Tripoli. The delegation consisted of eight Knights, one from every country, and in the commission given to them, asking them to report on the existing conditions of these places, there was a clause which gave instructions to these delegates to reconnoitre the tongue of land, Mount Xiberras, which Jay between the two harbours for the purpose of its suitability to be built on for the residential city of the Order(1). However, circumstances delayed this project and as we know the Knights on coming to Malta in 1530 made the Borgo their headquarters. There they lived until after the Siege of 1565.