Grandmaster's Palace — Valletta

What is the Grandmaster's Palace?

The Grandmaster's Palace is the principal palace of Valletta, occupying an entire city block around two internal courtyards. For more than two centuries it was the official residence of the Grand Master who led the Order of St John. Today it serves as the Office of the President of Malta, while its historic State Rooms and the Palace Armoury are open to the public as a Heritage Malta attraction.

Where is the Grandmaster's Palace?

The palace fronts onto St George's Square in the centre of Valletta, a few minutes' walk from the city gate, the co-cathedral and the main shopping streets.

History of the Grandmaster's Palace

Construction began in 1571, soon after the Order moved its seat to the new city of Valletta, and the building is attributed to the Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar, who shaped much of early Valletta. Successive Grand Masters extended and embellished it, adding the State Rooms, the long corridors hung with portraits and armour, and the celebrated Council Chamber.After the Order left Malta the palace passed to French and then British administrations, becoming the residence of the British governor. In the 20th century it housed Malta's Parliament, which sat there until the opening of a new Parliament building in 2015. The palace then became the Office of the President.

What to see at the Grandmaster's Palace

• State Rooms — , including the throne room and council chamber, decorated with frescoes and friezes.
• Palace Armoury — , one of the world's great collections of arms and armour of the Knights.
• The two internal courtyards and the grand staircase.
• Portraits of Grand Masters and historic tapestries.

Significance

The palace embodies the political continuity of Malta across four very different eras — the Order, the French interlude, British rule and the independent Republic. As both a working seat of state and a museum, it remains one of the most important historic buildings in the country.

Visiting the Grandmaster's Palace

The State Rooms and Palace Armoury are managed by Heritage Malta and open to visitors, though access can be restricted when state functions are taking place. Check current opening hours and ticket prices before visiting.