Tourism and Culture Minister Mario de Marco last week announced that Valletta has been recommended for the title of European Capital of Culture 2018.

The announcement was made from what is probably Valletta’s most precious treasure, the St John’s Co Cathedral Oratory. The chairman of the selection panel, Manfred Gaulhofer said: “It’s a great honour for me and an immense pleasure of course, to present to you the decision of the jury within the surroundings of some of the most prestigious paintings in history and some of the most beautiful places in the world.”

He said that the selection panel has been persuaded that there is the will, the drive, the ambition, and the growing and strongly-needed increase in self-esteem within the V.18 team, to make Valletta European Capital of Culture 2018 an extraordinary endeavour that meets everyone’s expectations.

The European Capital of Culture title is a unique opportunity to bring people closer through the power of culture. Valletta will be European Capital of Culture together with a Dutch city that has yet to be chosen.

In his speech, Dr de Marco said that the initiative is important for the artistic and cultural community, which has grown and wants to look forward to the future, adding that the country had to continue investing in the necessary cultural infrastructure, as well as in the human resource.

He said that St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its austere and simple facade and its internal wealth of art and culture, reflects what Malta is all about – an island that surprises and defies expectation. He is right. The Capital boasts it all – spectacular architecture, palaces, art, collections, museums, a dive site, a harbour and a bustling hub of activity in the mornings.

But still, at night, the place falls somewhat flat. Many are trying to invest in the capital, with Strait Street in particular being brought back to life. Some of the old bars are re-opening in what used to be Malta’s most busy street – albeit a bit bawdy.

Over the past few years, a lot of money has been poured into the capital. Its streets and buildings have been spruced up and a lot of restoration work has been carried out to buildings, both inside and out. Of course, the City Gate project will also add to the aesthetics of Valletta. But we must not fall into the trap of thinking that aesthetics alone make a city. What makes a city is the life it contains. Valletta is rapidly becoming a magnet for the alternative and retro crowd that seek refuge in the many little boutique bars and coffee shops that are springing up in the oddest, yet most charming places. What Valletta needs is more people on its streets at night. We need performing artists, shows, more plays, exhibitions and contemporary art. We need to see that the city has a pulse, that it is alive and populated by more than gargoyles and statues – no matter how beautiful they are. Sadly, there are not many people left who remember the city in all its glory. It had been in decline for decades, but now, slowly, it is getting a new lease of life. Perhaps it will never again be the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen, but it can be reborn as a place where history and contemporary culture come together in the most spectacular of ways.