A Different Side of Valletta: walking beneath Fort St.Elmo

To wrap up the season of summer, we joined an organized walk. It was part of a series of other walks...this one was based in Valletta, and we started at the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC).

To start off with, I also got to pay an unexpected visit to Fort St.Elmo, and the National War Musuem! This was really interesting, and I will be writing about it in another blog post.  

Stairs at Fort St.Elmo

With the visit done, we exited the fort, turned to the left, and after a while descended downwards to the rocky bay. We navigated quite some rocky ground, not forgetting a myriad of steps, but with spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. Admittedly though, I was more concentrated on the foot work!

Tigne Point from Fort St.Elmo

Below us, the waves crashed against the rocks - there was a sprite of energy in the sea, and in other parts of Malta, it had rained. Luckily, out walk remained nice and dry. We traced the outline of Valletta, and emerged in the shore-line. 

It was very peaceful. From there, lo and behold, another stairway! The day really seemed to have been cut out for climbing stairs...this one though was dark, and would have been entirely pitch-black had a light source not been stuck on the ceiling. 

At its end, was another gate, then held open for our perusal. I suspect the passageway is locked close at night, hence the barred entrances. 

This little route provided a handy shortcut. It seems we were slightly off schedule, so we took a couple more shortcuts! We were led uphill to the inland streets of Valletta, starting first though a narrow alley. 

The walls were most picturesque. Furthermore, someone had potted various plants and flowers on both sides of the wall....someone with green fingers. 

To further add to the authentic charm of the place there was a plaque saying that if you set eyes on a ginger cat residing there, luck would follow you throughout your day in the capital. Well, I did not spot such a cat, but my day was none the less fantastic.

After navigating a similar incline, turning a street down, a street up (a decent sense of direction would surely proof of good use!) we ended up back at the MCC. This time, from behind. This walk made a great finish to the summer hols, and I got to put the trail runners on a proper trail!

Valletta from Fort St.Elmo