There’s something about old photos. They capture a time gone by, immortalising a history and era to be admired for generations to come. And these photos do the trick!

These beautiful shots show some of Valletta’s shop fronts, most of which have since closed down and have been converted into something else. A number of shops such as Tiny Shop, are remembered by locals. Tiny Shop in particular was run by a beloved lady named Carmen and many locals remember this as a much simpler time.

Royal Pharmacy, Raffaele Portelli and C. Micallef Watch Maker & Dealer are another three shops from an era long gone. Apparently, Royal Pharmacy still stands, but half of it has been turned into a shoe store.

The Jubilee Store specialised in paint, ironmogery and electrical fitting and you could spot it from a mile away with that beautiful blue paint on its exterior. It’s truly a time gone by when a photo of a fishing tackle shop is seen. Can you spot the wicker baskets? Then there was also Gravina Household and Paint Store that had everything you needed for home decor.

Giov Muscat was the place to go to buy school copybooks and all the stationery needed after the first day at school. A. Azzopardi Jewellers is another gem in Valletta. This shop sold antique jewellery, gold and silver. And of course, there was Lucky Store, owned by local Charlie. You couldn’t miss it!

Joe Borg Xuereb via Valletta Photos / Facebook