Tucked away on St John Street in the heart of Valletta, D'Amato Records is one of the city's most distinctive cultural treasures. With its original wooden façade and timeless interior, the shop offers visitors a rare glimpse into Malta's long relationship with music, collecting, and craftsmanship.
Founded in the late 19th century by Francesco D'Amato, the business began during the earliest days of recorded sound and quickly established itself as Malta's first destination for talking machines and gramophones. Today, it is recognised as one of the world's oldest family-run record shops, having survived generations of technological change while remaining firmly rooted in its original character.
Stepping inside feels less like entering a modern retail space and more like discovering a carefully preserved time capsule. Towering wooden shelves, vintage gramophones, vinyl crates, and fading music posters create an atmosphere that reflects over a century of musical history. The scent of old paper, polished wood, and vinyl adds to the shop's unmistakable charm.
What to look for
- The original 19th-century wooden storefront: A heritage treasure of Valletta.
- Rare Maltese għana folk music recordings: Unique pressings that capture the essence of local culture.
- Vintage gramophones and historical audio equipment: A glimpse into the evolution of sound.
- Signed photographs from visiting international artists: A visible testament to its international music reputation.
- Vinyl collections spanning jazz, classical, rock, and Maltese music: A diverse treasure trove for collectors.
- The traditional brown paper packaging still used today: A nostalgic touch that honors the shop's history.
Why it matters
For music lovers and collectors, D'Amato Records offers far more than mainstream releases. The store is particularly valued for its collection of rare Maltese recordings, including traditional għana folk music, local pop, jazz, and classical works. Many visitors spend hours browsing through the carefully organised crates, often guided by stories and recommendations from members of the D'Amato family themselves.
The shop also carries a deep connection to Valletta's wartime history. During the Second World War and the heavy bombing of Malta, the business endured alongside the surrounding city. Generations of the family continued operating through periods of hardship and social change, helping preserve an independent cultural space in the heart of the capital.
Over the decades, D'Amato Records has welcomed musicians, collectors, journalists, and curious travellers from around the world. Photographs signed by visiting artists line parts of the shop, quietly documenting its reputation among international music enthusiasts. Despite the rise of digital streaming and online music platforms, the store has remained committed to the physical experience of music—the ritual of selecting a record, examining its artwork, and carrying it home in a simple paper sleeve.
In many ways, D'Amato Records reflects the character of Valletta itself: historic, layered, resilient, and deeply personal. It stands apart from modern commercial chains by offering something increasingly rare—authenticity shaped by generations of continuity and passion. Whether searching for rare vinyl, exploring Maltese music heritage, or simply admiring one of Valletta's most iconic storefronts, a visit to D'Amato Records offers an experience that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
Visitor Tip: Take your time browsing and speak with the staff—the stories behind the records and the shop itself are often just as memorable as the music.