The Palace was constructed shortly after the Great Siege of 1565 to serve as the residence for the Grand Master of the Order of St. John.
The Prince's Courtyard features an elaborate clock tower built in 1745 with four figures that strike the bells.
The Palace Armoury collection originally belonged to the Knights themselves, with armor specific to individual Grand Masters on display.
The Throne Room retains its original frieze depicting scenes from the Great Siege of 1565.
The Palace features a 'sotto-portico' level originally used for housing the horses and carriages of the Knights.
A series of underground tunnels and shelters were integrated into the structure's lower levels during World War II.
The Grand Master's Palace, located in the heart of Valletta, served as the administrative center for the Order of St. John and currently houses the Office of the President of Malta. The structure is defined by its central courtyards, including the Neptune Courtyard, which features lush greenery and the central bronze statue of Neptune. Visitors can explore the Palace State Rooms, which exhibit significant collections of European art, furniture, and tapestries. The Palace Armoury holds one of the world's most extensive collections of arms and armor from the 16th to 18th centuries. Restoration projects have recently revitalized the Palace's exterior facades and interior chambers. The building occupies a full city block between Republic Street and Merchants Street. It remains the oldest still-functioning public building in Europe.
The Neptune Courtyard provides the best aesthetic frame, capturing the bronze statue against the stone facade and greenery.
Visit the Armoury first if you prefer military history, as it is self-contained and requires a different flow than the State Rooms.
Check for ongoing restoration sections, as specific wings may occasionally be closed to the public despite the main site being open.
Spend time observing the wooden balconies, a distinct feature of the internal courtyards.
Do not rush through the corridors; the architectural details of the ceiling paintings and the internal courtyard layouts are easily missed by fast-moving groups.
Closed during certain state functions and official government events; check the official portal for ad-hoc closures.
Respectful attire is requested; shoulders and knees should be covered. Refrain from touching artifacts or decorative wall coverings.
