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Description: | A 'bird's eye view' of Valletta and the Three Cities, showing the state of the fortifications by the late eighteenth century, and ably demonstrating why Valletta's natural harbour was such a strategically important location. The town of Valletta, named after Grand Master Jean de la Vallette, was constructed soon after the siege of 1565, when the Knights had only narrowly escaped defeat because of the poor state of their defences. It was constructed on a classical grid pattern, to allow a speedy and efficient deployment of troops around the defences; a welcome side effect being the way it channelled the sea breeze during the stifling summer heat. In the harbour may be seen a sailing ship, a relatively new addition to the Order's navy in the eighteenth century. The Cotonera fortifications on the left are; Fort Ricasoli, Fort St Angelo and the Fort of the Galleys. On the right are Marsamxett Harbour, also known as Quarantine Harbour, and Fort Emmanuel. | Subjects: | Three Cities) landscape (Valletta | Source: | Vads | Creator: | Artist: Maltese School Æ | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=8598... | Go to resource |
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