Strada Stretta
Strait Street (Strada Stretta)
In Maltese: Triq id-Dejqa
Strait Street, Valletta's narrow former sailors' quarter, gave its name to the Maltese TV drama Strada Stretta (2015–2017), which was filmed mainly on the street itself. Big-budget films have also dressed its lanes.
What was filmed at Strait Street (Strada Stretta)?
Strada Stretta (2015–2017)
The bars and lodgings of 1957 Strait Street, where Lydia escapes her gilded life for her lover Mario. Shot mainly on location along the street. It played Strait Street in 1957.
About Strait Street (Strada Stretta)
Strait Street (Strada Stretta, officially Triq id-Dejqa) runs the length of Valletta parallel to Republic Street. It's so narrow that the Knights were said to duel here. From the 19th century until the 1970s it was 'The Gut', a run of bars, music halls and cabarets packed with British sailors and servicemen. After decades of decline it has been revived with wine bars and music venues, and its old shop signs, wooden balconies and steep steps make it one of Malta's most-filmed streets. The TVM drama Strada Stretta told the story of 1957 Strait Street through Lydia's diary and was filmed mainly on the street and at nearby Casa Rocca Piccola. International productions have also dressed it for other cities.
Best time to go
Early morning for empty, film-like views; evening for the revived bar scene.
Questions people ask
Why was Strait Street called 'The Gut'?+
British sailors nicknamed it 'The Gut' when it was Valletta's entertainment and red-light district, full of bars and music halls from the 1800s until the 1970s.
Where was the Maltese series Strada Stretta filmed?+
Mainly on Strait Street itself and at Casa Rocca Piccola on Republic Street in Valletta, with other scenes at Villa Blye in Paola.
Sources
Exact spot not yet checked on site — we visit every location before launch.