General view of the Ramparts, Valletta, Malta from the sea, pictured on June 6, 2008, in the warm evening light.  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. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
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