South Street is one of the most elegant streets in the city. It was originally known as Strada del Palazzo after the Magisterial Palace which was to be built here. This street was also known as Strada d’Albergo di Francia after the Auberge de France, destroyed during the last war, situated in it.

The National Museum of Fine Arts is one of the palaces gracing this street. This was among the first buildings erected in Valletta but it was rebuilt in its present form between 1761 and 1765.