Floriana has beautiful parks and squares and boasting the representative buildings occupied by the government ministry. But it is more appropriate for the serious history lovers, since it lacks a lively bustle streets of Valletta.

The main entrance to the fortifications of Valletta is City Gate, just behind that is the Republic Street, which stretches across the peninsula to its furthest end, to Fort St. Elmo, which is now a military museum. On the Republic Street there are major historical sights, most shops and the only two cafes in the city. Beautiful churches and palaces are in contrast with the military look of the city. Rising and falling streets are lined with houses that are decorated with beautiful bay windows and balconies.

What to see in Valletta?
When you go to Valletta, you should not miss its sights that are definitely worth seeing. Among the most interesting of them is one of the oldest buildings in town – Grandmaster’s Palace from 16th century. Today it houses the Maltese parliament, president and museum. Today it houses the Maltese parliament, president’s office and museum.

Another major attraction is fortification Fort St. Elmo, that played an important role in defending the island. It is now home to a voluntary army and a location of the National War Museum. St. James Cavalier is the strongest fortification of Valletta, now there is a cultural center with a cinema, theater and concert hall.

Memorial to victims of the second World War II we can see in the Lower Barracca Gardens. Another baroque building is the Co-Cathedral of St John, which dates from 1573 – 1578. Discreet Manoel Theatre building dates from 1732 and is the cultural heart of the island. One of the dominant features of Valletta is a the Church of Our Lady of Mount Caramel. This church was founded in 1573. The Upper Barracca Gardens offers a beautiful view of Grand Harbour, the marina and the “Three Cities” on the opposite shore of the Gulf.

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In the city of Modena you will find the factories for all of the top sports cars in Italy. The Ferrari and Lamborghini are the most notable of these manufacturers. But the town is also home to De Tomaso, Maserati and Pagani. The corporate headquarters of all but Lamborghini are also located in Modena.

Palazzo Comunale e Duomo, Modena, Italy by Hierakares

The first inhabitants of Modena were the Villanovans. They would be followed by the Ligurian tribes as well as the Etruscans. While the exact date that Modena was founded is not known, the existence of the town has been known since the 3rd century B.C. The Gaulish Boii were known to have revolted against Hannibal shortly after his invasion of Italy.

In 183 B.C., the area would be re-founded and called Mutina. It was at first used as a military stronghold and as a result, was sacked by the Ligurians in 177 B.C. then rebuilt once again.

Today the largest military academy in Italy can be found in Modena at the Baroque Ducal Palace; most officers in the Italian service are trained at the palace. The nearby University of Modena which is also a popular university in the nation dates back to 1175.

There are many different museums located throughout the city of Modena. However, perhaps the most popular of these are those which house the collections of the finest and most exotic sports cars that the world has ever known. There is also a museum which is dedicated to the many fine archeological finds in the area surrounding Modena.

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