User:Mariaalto/sandbox

Contemporary
The city is working to restore the traditional architecture, as well as to conserve the original work. This said, Valletta also needs to compensate for the growth of the city. The Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands is a plan created to meet the demands of transportation, create jobs, promote tourism, create an aesthetic environment, and maintain the overall plan of the city.

Valletta has been selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2018. The nominations took place in May of 2013 with a criteria made by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. The criteria includes a cultural programme with European influences and citizen participation.

Art
Valletta has a number of artistic venues and cultural aspects. Historically, the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem were big contributors to the arts. During the 250 years of ruling, the generation left behind masterpieces, found in many locations in Malta. The National Museum of Fine Arts contains a number of art collections, several of which are of Italian origin. There are also a large number of open-air historical sights. The city is filled with detailed architecture of the Baroque era, and other historical aspects. In October of 2016, Valletta hosted the 7th World Summit on Arts and Culture.

Tourism
Valletta is a popular tourist destination in Europe and has been noted a number of times as a trendy European location. Forbes Magazine states that Valletta is one of the best European cities to visit in 2018. A number of museums, palaces, bars, cafes, churches, and artwork lines the narrow streets. The city is built with a grid system, making travel and sightseeing more simple for visitors. A popular display is the Palace Armoury, a collection of arms located at the Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta. The National Museum of Archaeology In Valletta also displays artifacts dating back to 5200 B.C.E. The city also houses the Royal Opera House also known as the Royal Theatre, where a number of artistic performances are held.

Cuisine
The Mediterranean is popular for its Mediterranean diet known for its health benefits, consisting of primarily plant-based food, legumes, nuts, healthy fats, and fish. The country of Malta, though located in the Mediterranean, is an exception. Obesity is common here. Fish and plant-based foods can be difficult to obtain and expensive leading to creativity with other types of food. Some popular dishes found in Valletta include Pastizzi, Aljotta, Maltese sausage, and Prinjolata.

Transportation
Due to the increased levels of population and need for transportation, Valletta has proposed charging drivers for driving in certain places and/or at certain times. Though taking from road pricing experience of other cities, the plan for this particular area is unique. Because of the geography, politics, and international events, this policy transfer could be a possible solution to the transportation demands.

Since the early 1900s, the country of Malta has offered public transportation services. The system operates under a monopoly of individual owner drivers. Because of this, along with reduced levels of service, people have begun using private transportation.. In 2008, a general election and strike led governments to create a plan intending to remove the monopolies.

Sports
Throughout Malta, sports including football, rugby, tennis, and volleyball are favored, football being the most popular. Valletta in particular hosts a traditional boat racing event in the Grand Harbour.


 * Valletta F.C. football team
 * Valletta Lions RFC Rugby Football Union team
 * Valletta's Marsamxett Harbour a "Regatta" (Rowing) Team, which takes part in the annual traditional Regatta on Victory Day (8 September).
 * Valletta United W.P.C., a water polo club hailing from Marsamxett side
 * Valletta Volleyball Club

Cultural references

 * Several chapters of Thomas Pynchon's Postmodern novel V. take place in the city of Valletta.
 * Much of Nicholas Rinaldi's novel The Jukebox Queen of Malta is set in Valletta.
 * Parts of the Steven Spielberg's Academy Award nominee film Munich were shot in Valletta.
 * Valletta is the birthplace of popular comic book character Corto Maltese, created by Italian artist Hugo Pratt.
 * Stefan Dorra's 2017 board game Valletta is about the construction of Valletta, presided over by Jean Parisot de Valette.