Malta
Low angle view of the Auberge de Castille (Il-Berga ta Kastilja), 1571, Valletta, Malta, pictured on June 7, 2008, in the morning. The Republic of Malta consists of seven islands in the Mediterranean Sea of which Malta, Gozo and Comino have been inhabited since c.5, 200 BC. Nine of Malta's important historical monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the capital city, Valletta, also known as the Fortress City. Built in the late 16th century and mainly Baroque in style it is named after its founder Jean Parisot de Valette (c.1494-1568), Grand Master of the Order of St John. The Knights of St John built an auberge, or inn, for each nationality of knight who passed through Malta. This one, for Castilians, was designed by Girolamo Cassar, and re-modelled in 1741, probably by Andrea Belli. It is now the Prime Minister's office. Picture by Manuel Cohen
