The construction of Valletta began in 1524 and was commissioned by the Order of Saint John. The city, surrounded by fortifications, is essentially Baroque in character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture. The City of Valletta, the administrative centre of Malta, was also designated European Capital of Culture for 2018 and for this purpose received €17 million in EU funding. The Valletta 2018 programme involved around 1 000 local and international artists, curators, artist collectives, performers, workshop leaders, writers, designers, choirs and film-makers. It included projects designed to evolve well beyond 2018, including restoration projects such as that of Palazzo Castelleria, the Muza museum project, and events such as Notte Bianca and the Pageant of the Seas.