Culture
A time gone by! Collection of photos show what Valletta looked like during the Victorian era
What an era!

Emma Galea

A series of photos shared by Frank O’Neill show a completely different Valletta to the one that exists today.

The photos distinctively show Malta’s capital city in different areas during the late 19th century and early 20th century.

A few of the shots depict Valletta’s picturesque streets as smartly dressed people in Victorian clothing walk through it.

Another photo shows the shop for G.C. Cumbo photography, which was a highly popular service for all things related to photography at the time.

The St Paul’s Protestant Cathedral together with the adjacent spike that forms part of the iconic Valletta skyline can be clearly observed. They can still be seen to this day. Some things never change!

Malta’s typical and traditional balconies that still adorn the city to this very day can also be seen in these centuries’ old photos.

25th September 2023


Emma Galea
Written by
Emma Galea
Emma is a Gozitan writer who loves all things related to English literature and history. When not busy studying or writing you will either find her immersed in a fictional book or at the cinema trying to watch as many films as she possibly can!

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