Below the bastion is Barriera Wharf and the fishmarket.
When Valletta was built following the defeat of the Ottomans in 1565 it was given the name of Humilissima Civitas Valletta (The Most Humble City of Valletta). The bastions, curtains and ravelins along with the beauty of its Baroque palaces, gardens and churches, led the ruling houses of Europe to give the city its nickname Superbissima — 'Most Proud'. The fortifications of the port, built by the Knights as a magnificent series of bastions, demi-bastions, ravelins and curtains, approximately 100 metres (330 ft) high, all contribute to the unique architectural quality of the city.
The Order, whose members came from the highest ranking aristocrats from all over Europe, for good administration, was divided into Langues (or Languages) according to the language they spoke with a Grand Council on which was represented every Langue. The Grand Council elected the Grand Master for life and was his advisory body. Each Langue had its headquarters, or Auberge and was responsible for its part of the fortifications. Santa Barbara Bastion fell under the responsibility of the Langue of Castille, Leon and Portugal – one of the most powerful of the Order.
@jenrobcarr It is. The houses, or rather mansions, on the bastion are - i would say - the most expensve in Valletta because of their view of grand harbour and the quiet area. Many of them have been bought by foreign companies from where they could carry out their businesses
