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Historical
Buildings
Casa Rocca Piccola,
Valletta
This small palazzo, built in 1580, is a window to Maltese domestic culture of
yesteryear. You will find an excellent costume collection on display, important
period furniture and pictures. All the rooms are featured on the guided tour
including the recently opened war shelters.
Grand Master’s Palace,
Valletta
The Magesterial Palace, built between 1571 and 1574, is today the president’s
office and seat to Malta’s parliament. The palace is a treasure trove of art.
The Tapestry Chamber hangs a unique collection of Gobelin tapestries. Frescoes
depicting the Great Seige of 1565 adorn the Hall of St. Micheal and St. George
– formerly the Order’s Supreme Council Hall. And, the beautiful ceiling
decorations are by Nicolo Nasini. You will also find works by Ribera, Vanloo and
Batoni in the State Apartments.
National Library,
Valletta
This grand 18th century, Venetian style building was the last public
building commissioned by the Knights. It houses some 400,000 works, many rare or
priceless. All archival material covering the history of the Knights from 1113
to 1798 is lodged in the library.
Sacra Infermeria, Valletta
The hospital of the Order of St. John was built in 1574, one of the earlier
buildings in Valletta. It was famous for its high standards, as well as its
grand interior. The Great Ward, 153 metres long has one of the longest roof
expanses in Europe. During World War II it was seriously damaged through bombing
and after extensive renovation it re-opened as the Mediterranean Conference
Centre.
Palazzio Parisio, Naxxar
This 19th century palazzo – with the most ornate ballroom on the
islands – has lavishly decorated ceilings and frescoes, magnificent antique
furniture, paintings and bronzes. Its gardens originally stretched for half a
mile and today, although smaller, are still impressive.
Norman House/Palazzo Falzon,
Mdina
This is a rare opportunity to look inside one of Mdina’s great houses. It is
one of the best preserved mediaeval buildings in Mdina. It was built in 1495 and
during your visit can see the small private museum with naval and harbour
paintings. There are displays of antique furniture and 16th and 17th
century kitchen utensils are displayed in the charming inner courtyard.
St. Agatha’s Historical Complex,
Rabat
These catacombs, according to legend, served as the
actual hiding place for St. Agatha who fled from the persecution of the Roman
Emperor Decius (AD249). Some very impressive and widely known frescoes are to be
seen, dating back as far as the 11th century and even earlier.
Verdala Palace, Buskett/Limits
of Rabat
This castle-like palace was built in 1568 by Grand Master de Verdalle as a
summer residence. It has been renovated and enriched over the centuries
and its superb location overlooks the woodland area of Buskett.
Unfortunatley, this is as far as you can get to viewing it. At the moment
Verdala is not open to the public.
Monuments
Seige Bell Memorial, Valletta
The Seige Bell Memorial was inaugurated in 1992 by Queen Elizabeth. It is
monument for those that died during World War II.
Gardens
Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
These 18th century gardens offer excellent views overlooking the Grand
Harbour across to the Three Cities. The gardens are dotted with statues
and have been totally refurbished. Below these gardens lie the lower
Barrakka and every Saturday at noon, the 'noon gun' is fired.
Argotti Botanical Gardens and St. Philip
Gardens, Floriana
Argotti has a rich collection of trees and shrubs from Oaks to Oleanders. There
are delightful shaded walks to fountains, ponds and water towers. Worthwhile a
look is an exquisite gazebo dating back to 1741 and there is a small
horticultural museum with seeds, plant pressing equipment, gardening maps and
records. This section is open during office hours only and as these depend on
the time of year it is a good idea to telephone first. Access to St. Philip
Garden is through Argotti Botanical Gardens, it is rich in citrus, cypress and
jacarandas.
Hastings Gardens,Valletta
A small garden set on the bastions with splendid views of Manoel Island and
Msida Creek. The gardens also houses a monument built by the Hasting’s family
to the governor of Malta who died in 1826.
Sa Maison Garden, Floriana/San Maison
A garden set on five levels with tunnels, ramps,
bastions and arches covered by bougainvillea and ivy. It has a conservatory,
several specimens of flora in pots and a large number of tall trees and palms.
At its highest point is a watch tower with terrific views of Pieta creek.
Casa Leone & Romeo Romano Garden, Santa Venera
This is formal walled garden dating back to the 18th century. This
garden specialises in Citrus and ornamental trees, evergreen and flowering
hedges, ponds and fountains. There is also an aviary and a water mill. It is
worth visiting the beautifully restored farmhouse which now has a small
collection of old farming hand tools and equipment and farmhouse furniture. The
museum can be opened by appointment.
San Anton Gardens, Attard
San Anton Gardens is located on the outskirts of
Attard, in the grounds of the San Anton Palace – the official residence of the
President in Malta. Probably the best known of our public gardens. It was first
laid out by Grand Master Antoine de Paule between 1623 and 1636 and you can
wander along paths and terraces lined with enormous trees, hedges, flower beds
and old stone pots full of plants to any of five ponds with ducks, fountains and
water lilies. There is also a mini zoo and aviary.
Buskett Forest,
Limits of Rabat
Created in the 17th century, these woods
have huge Oaks, Pines and Bay trees. Also several vineyards, olive and orange
groves can also be found here. From Autumn till late Spring here you are sure to
find streams, wild flowers and many woodland creatures. All the year round
Buskett provides wonderful picnic spots. These woods lead up to the Verdala
Castle and in June, it is the venue of the traditional folk festival known as
‘Imnarja’.
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About Malta
Introduction
Getting Around
Places to Visit
Valletta
The Three Cities
Mdina & Rabat
Gozo & Comino
Places of Interest
Historical Buildings & Gardens
Museums
Temple & Geological
Important Churches
Forts & Fortifications
Other Attractions
Shopping & Markets
Beaches & Bays
Nightlife & Theatre
Family Attractions
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