Saint James Cavalier, Arts and cinema center in Valletta, Malta
Saint James Cavalier is an arts and cinema center in Valletta that houses exhibitions, films, and performances within a five-sided stone structure. The building contains a 105-seat cinema screen, multiple galleries, and performance spaces.
The Knights of Saint John built this defensive structure in the late 1500s under Francesco Laparelli's design and Girolamo Cassar's direction as part of Valletta's fortifications. It later served as a printing house before transforming into a cultural center around 2000.
The center hosts contemporary art shows and independent cinema that fill the interior with modern cultural programming throughout the year. Visitors experience theater and art events that bring the space to life.
The site sits near Upper Barakka Gardens and is open Wednesday through Sunday, with refreshments available from vending machines and a downstairs cafe. Visitors should know that opening hours and amenities can change depending on events scheduled.
The building started as a military bastion and was later converted into a printing house before becoming an arts venue in 2000. Its pentagonal shape follows an early modern defensive design pattern used throughout the fortifications.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
