Valletta Waterfront
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Martin Furtschegger · CC BY 3.0 · edited
Why go
- The Pinto Stores, also called Xatt ta' Pinto, on the left of the promenade
- The Forni Stores, once the first naval bakery in Malta, on the right of the promenade
- The church named Titjira lejn l-Eġittu, one of the three main buildings on the promenade
- The Malta Jazz Festival and the Malta Fireworks Festival, both held on the waterfront
- A meal at one of the roughly twelve restaurants on the waterfront
Interesting facts4
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Door colours recall the goods once stored: blue for fish, green for farm produce, yellow for wheat, red for wine.
Valletta Waterfront - Wikipedia -
A bronze face of Ġesù from the church now stands on the Co-Cathedral of Saint John's facade.
Valletta Waterfront - Wikipedia -
The Pinto Stores also appear on Malta's national inventory of cultural property.
Valletta Waterfront - Wikipedia -
A private consortium runs the waterfront and manages its cruise liner business.
Valletta Waterfront - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
The site was first developed in 1727 by Grand Master Anton Manuel de Vilhena. In 1752 Grand Master Manuel Pinto de Fonseca added 19 stores and a church. Construction was launched with a church service, and Andrea Belli is linked to the design. The space behind the rebuilt facades is now a car park.
- 1727Anton Manuel de Vilhena develops the site. The first building is a store-house with marble oil-vats.
- 1752Manuel Pinto de Fonseca adds 19 stores and a church. Construction is launched with a church service.
- 1844The Forni Stores stop working as a British naval bakery.
- 1925The Pinto Stores are listed as a grade 1 national monument.
- World War IIAir raids damage the area near the dockyard, and the church is bombed.
Show all
- After World War IIThe church is rebuilt faithfully to its original design. Facades are rebuilt and the area is restored.
- TodayThe area is a cruise liner hub, home to the Forni Cruise Passenger Terminal.
Tips for your visit
- Start at the church and walk the promenade past the Pinto Stores on the left and the Forni Stores on the right.
- The waterfront has about twelve restaurants, bars and shops, so there is a choice of places to stop along the promenade.
Best time to visit
- Saturday evening, when Mass is held in the church.
Sources: Valletta Waterfront - Wikipedia · Valletta Waterfront - Wikipedia · checked 25 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
Is there Mass at the church on Valletta Waterfront?
Yes. Mass is held in the church on the waterfront every Saturday evening.
Are there restaurants at Valletta Waterfront?
Yes. The waterfront has about twelve restaurants, plus several bars and shops along the promenade.
Which festivals are held at Valletta Waterfront?
The Malta Jazz Festival and the Malta Fireworks Festival both take place on the waterfront.
What were the Pinto Stores at Valletta Waterfront built for?
They were built as stores and warehouses in the 18th century. They have been a grade 1 national monument since 1925.
What were the Forni Stores at Valletta Waterfront used for?
They were the first British naval bakeries in Malta. They were in use until 1844.
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