Culture
WATCH: Video of Valletta shows what Malta’s capital city looked like 32 years ago
Some things changed while others remained the same…

Emma Galea

A video uploaded by Joseph Abela to the local Facebook group ‘Nostalgia Malta’ shows snippets of what Malta’s capital city of Valletta looked like 32 years ago, back in 1993.

A lot of things have changed since then…

The video starts off with footage of Malta’s buses parked in Tritoni Square and although Malta’s bus terminal is still nearby, Malta’s traditional and colourful buses are no longer being used.

This nostalgic snippet then pans out to Valletta’s city gate. This was replaced nine years ago with a new one designed by the award-winning architect Renzo Piano. The old city gate used to have three entrances whereas the new one only has one main one.

A closer look at the people walking by also hints at the differences between fashion styles of then and now. Although some of the styles are still being worn to this day, you can still tell that the footage was shot in the 1990’s from people’s clothing.

Plenty of cars were also allowed in Valletta’s main streets which is now no longer allowed.

Even though many things have changed since then, a lot of areas still remain the same….

Footage of Castille, Malta’s Court and the views from the Upper Barakka Gardens highlight how little to nothing has changed in many areas around the city.  

Even the iconic Caffé Cordina cafeteria still looks pretty much the same now as it did back then.

Although Valletta’s side streets are now filled with plenty of restaurants and bars, the architecture of the buildings remains as picturesque as ever.

Do you remember Valletta looking like this?

Facebook/Joseph Abela via Nostalgia Malta

26th July 2025


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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