Republic Street, Valletta

Republic Street is the main road through Valletta, around which the capital city's government is centered. It's primarily pedestrian-only and is only one kilometer long.

The street starts at the City Gate and runs to the granaries at Fort Saint Elmo. Along the way, it intersects several important squares and buildings. Among the many museums and government buildings, you'll see the Parliament of Malta, the Courts of Justice, and the Grandmaster's Palace.

Throughout the island's history, Republic Street has had several names. When it was first laid out after the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, it was known as San Giorgio Street. Even then, it was the main street of the city.

The street was later renamed National Street under French rule, and then Royal Road during the Crown Colony of Malta's time. In 1936 it was named Kingsway by Prime Minister Sir Gerald Strickland during the British colonial period.

Republic Street was the target of bombing during World War II and was heavily damaged. The street is one of the best places to stroll through the most important sights of Valletta.