Stunning Old-World Cities That Still Feel Frozen in Time

30. Valletta, Malta: A Fortified Baroque Masterpiece

Malta's capital, Valletta, is a stunning fortified city built entirely in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it's a grid of golden limestone buildings, dramatic bastions, and ornate Baroque churches, all perched on a peninsula overlooking two grand harbors. Walking its steep, narrow streets, you'll encounter grand auberges (lodging houses of the Knights), the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral (housing Caravaggio's masterpiece), and breathtaking sea views. It's a living museum of strategic military architecture and opulent artistry.