Strada S. Giovanni in Valetta, Malta 1857 - 1914

This albumen print of Strada S. Giovanni in Valetta, Malta, was made by Giorgio Sommer sometime in the 19th century. Sommer, a German photographer active in Italy, captured this street scene during a period of significant social and political change in Malta. The image presents a steep, stepped street lined with buildings featuring enclosed wooden balconies, a unique architectural feature influenced by the island's history under Arab rule. The presence of a religious shrine on the right suggests the enduring influence of the Catholic Church, a major social institution. Malta's strategic location in the Mediterranean made it a prized possession for various powers, including the British, who controlled the island during Sommer's time. As we examine this photograph, we might ask ourselves, how did colonial power dynamics shape urban space? Understanding this photograph requires insights from historical archives, travelogues, and architectural studies, helping us to understand the complex interplay of power, religion, and culture embedded in this seemingly simple street scene.