The Grand Master's Palace stands on Misrah San Gorg in central Valletta. Built in the 16th century as a residence for the Knights of St John, it still hosts official state ceremonies and houses presidential offices. Inside, the state rooms bring together frescoes, portraits and ornate floors, while the Palace Armoury displays a large collection of armour, weapons and military objects. Look for the Great Siege scenes in the Throne Room and 18th-century Gobelins tapestries in the Tapestry Chamber. Courtyards provide places to pause between rooms.
A palace built for the Knights of St John
The Grand Master's Palace was built in the 16th century as a residence for the Knights of Malta, also known as the Knights of St John. It stands at the centre of Palace Square, on Misrah San Gorg, among Valletta’s historic streets.
The building remains in official use. It hosts state ceremonies and includes presidential offices, so expect security screening at the entrance. Visitors are asked to leave rucksacks and bags in secure lockers before exploring.
State rooms and tapestries
The palace’s state rooms contain elaborate decoration, including frescoes, portraits and ornate flooring. In the Throne Room, frescoes depict the Great Siege of Malta. The Tapestry Chamber holds a set of Gobelins tapestries dating to the 18th century; each weighs about 40 kilograms.
The State Dining Hall and Ambassador’s Room are among the rooms to look for, with portraits of European royalty. Some rooms can occasionally be closed, so check what is accessible before setting out.
The Palace Armoury
The armoury displays more than 5,000 suits of armour and weapons, along with other military objects. The collection covers the Knights and Malta’s military past, with explanatory text in English and Maltese. Its scale and range make it a substantial part of the visit, even if military history is not your main interest.
The route through the palace is easy to follow. Courtyards have seating where you can rest between rooms. There are toilets and a gift shop on site, but no café.
Planning your visit
The palace is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Earlier visits can help you avoid busier periods, and advance tickets are recommended. Allow time for the bag check at entry; lockers are provided for bags and rucksacks.
The building has wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms, as well as lifts for visitors with mobility difficulties. Notify staff at the entrance if you need to use a lift.
Häufige Fragen
How long should I allow for the Grand Master's Palace?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours to see the rooms and armoury at a relaxed pace.
What can you see inside the Grand Master's Palace?
The visit includes state rooms, the Throne Room's Great Siege frescoes, 18th-century Gobelins tapestries and the Palace Armoury.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended and can make admission easier.
Is the Grand Master's Palace wheelchair accessible?
It has wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms. Lifts are available for visitors with mobility difficulties; notify staff at the entrance.
