Realised I hadn’t posted this video here..

The Gut Malta: Walking in Strait Street Valletta, Malta’s Historic Red Light Area on 1st May 2021. I review its history, showing some old photos while walking in the street. You might not be able to visit Malta right now, this way you can see it. Known as “The Gut”, or “Strait Street” (Strada Stretta in Maltese), this street was the focus of entertainment, nightlife and even prostitution ever since the 18th century up to the mid-20th century when the soldiers, sailors and Maltese would meet up here. Barmen and Maltese ladies pined for the British sailors here. It’s still vibrant, though not right now due to the pandemic. In the evenings there are bars and live music. Following Malta’s independence in 1964, and thus the lack of foreign servicemen, it effectively closed down. But the stigma of the place remained. Marks and Spencer opened an annexe in the street in 2003 and built a bridge to “protect” customers and bring them over the street instead of along it.