Grandmaster’s Palace and Armoury, Valletta

Historic Building and Palace in Valletta

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Marie-Lan Nguyen

The Grand Master's Palace and Armoury is one of the Top sights in Valletta and one of the best places to to see in Valletta for anyone intrigued by Malta's royal and military heritage. Dominating the city's main square, this grand complex was built in 1571 by the Knights of St. John as their administrative headquarters and the official residence of their Grand Masters. Designed by Girolamo Cassar, the same architect who created St. John's Co-Cathedral, the palace is a perfect embodiment of Renaissance order blended with Baroque refinement. Its graceful courtyards, symmetrical design, and detailed façades stand as symbols of power and elegance, capturing the spirit of Malta's golden age.

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by centuries of history and artistry. The palace once hosted councils of war, diplomatic audiences, and grand celebrations, and today its State Rooms and Armoury continue to reflect that legacy. Richly decorated halls and a priceless collection of weaponry transport visitors back to the 16th century, when Malta was at the heart of Mediterranean politics and defense. This spot is one of the best places to see in Valletta and a highlight of any walking tours of Valletta.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get to the Grand Master’s Palace and Armoury
Is the Grand Master’s Palace and Armoury Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The Grand Master's Palace was one of the first major buildings erected in Valletta after the city's founding, symbolizing the authority and prestige of the Knights of St. John. Over time, it became the central seat of power for successive rulers - from the Knights to the British colonial administration, and today, the Maltese presidency. The palace's symmetrical plan, twin courtyards, and restrained yet elegant exterior represent Cassar's mastery of Renaissance architecture.

The two internal courtyards, Neptune’s Courtyard and Prince Alfred’s Courtyard, create serene open-air spaces that contrast with the grandeur of the palace interiors. Each features fountains and statues framed by arched colonnades, offering peaceful spots amid the city’s energy. The building’s function evolved over centuries, but its essence as a place of leadership and ceremony has remained constant, making it both an architectural and historical gem.

Things to See and Do

Inside, the State Rooms offer a glimpse into the grandeur of Malta’s past. The Council Chamber, adorned with Gobelins tapestries depicting scenes from the Americas, and the Ambassador’s Room, with its gilded ceilings and portraits of Grand Masters, showcase centuries of diplomatic and artistic achievement. The Palace corridors display frescoes illustrating episodes from the Great Siege of 1565, immersing visitors in the Order’s proudest moments.

The adjacent Palace Armoury, once the stables, now holds one of Europe's most complete collections of 16th- and 17th-century arms and armor. Displays include ornate suits of armor, ceremonial swords, cannons, and weaponry that belonged to the Knights themselves. Some pieces bear intricate engravings and gilded designs, testifying to the Knights' blend of martial prowess and artistic refinement. For military history enthusiasts, this is one of the Things to do in Valletta that shouldn't be missed.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Morning hours for quieter tours and better lighting in the courtyards
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €12 for adults (includes access to the Armoury)
Opening hours: Daily, 9 am-5 pm (last admission 4:30 pm)
Official website: heritagemalta.org
How long to spend: 2-3 hours
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators in some areas
Facilities: Restrooms, museum shop, and guided tours available
Photography tip: The courtyards and armor displays provide the best photo opportunities
Guided tours: Highly recommended for historical context and art interpretation
Nearby food options: Excellent cafés and restaurants around St. George's Square and Republic Street

How to Get to the Grand Master’s Palace and Armoury

Located in the heart of Valletta's St. George's Square, the Grand Master's Palace is easily accessible on foot from City Gate, about a 10-minute walk along Republic Street. Visitors arriving by ferry from Sliema or the Three Cities can take the Barrakka Lift up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and continue by foot. Valletta's compact layout makes it simple to include the palace in any self-guided or group tour.

Is the Grand Master’s Palace and Armoury Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Grand Master's Palace and Armoury is one of the Must-see places in Valletta, combining art, architecture, and history in one unforgettable experience. Whether you're drawn by its opulent State Rooms or fascinated by its collection of ancient weaponry, the palace offers a rare insight into Malta's legacy as a seat of power and chivalry. It's a great trip to go on from Valletta for travelers who want to explore the island's regal and military past up close.

Nearby Attractions

St. John's Co-Cathedral - Just a short walk away, famous for Caravaggio's masterpieces and opulent Baroque interiors.
Upper Barrakka Gardens - Offers sweeping harbor views and the daily noon gun salute.
Casa Rocca Piccola - A noble family home preserving centuries of Maltese aristocratic life.
National Museum of Archaeology - Features prehistoric treasures from Malta's earliest temples.
Fort St. Elmo - A historic fortress housing the National War Museum and panoramic coastal views.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (2,134)

Grand Master's Palace, on Republic Square in Valletta, centres on a peaceful central courtyard with bench seating and palm trees and leads visitors through a sequence of exhibition spaces: an introductory film and contextual rooms, Prince Alfred's Courtyard, an extensive armoury displaying handcrafted crossbows, full suits of armour, powder flasks, cannons and period uniforms, ornate state rooms including a French Room and grand corridors, and rotating art displays and historic chariots; entry faces the square and involves airport-style security, with tickets available at kiosks or staffed counters and the visit easily combined with a city walk.

Shirin

3 weeks ago

"This spot is a treasure trove if you admire the equipment of knights and historic armies. They showcase incredible hand-crafted items like elaboratecrossbows, full suits of armor, powder flasks, and falling buffes. Despite being exhausted on my feet, I found this single, expansive room within the Grandmaster's palace absolutely captivating and the most enjoyable part of my visit...."

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Travelling Doc

a month ago

"Located just off St George’s Square and Republic Square, the entrance to the Grand Master’s Palace faces the square and requires passing throughairport-style security. We had pre-booked our tickets via online through heritage Malta( probably beneficial in summer) , though this offered no real advantage in November, as there were no queues. Tickets can be purchased at both electronic kiosks and staffed counters. After sca ing our tickets, we entered the exhibition area, begi ing with a short introductory video highlighting the significance of the building. The first few rooms provide context on the palace’s history and its evolving role over the centuries. From there, visitors move through Prince Alfred’s Courtyard and into the Armoury which was extensive and had some interesting artifacts such as the ottoman soldiers outfits, This is followed by a series of beautifully restored rooms — including the French Room and the grand corridors, reminiscent of the Vatican with their ornate decoration and intricate detail. The visit concludes with a display of the old royal chariot and an art exhibition featuring works by prominent Maltese artists, including Falzon, the current artist-in-residence at The Phoenicia. Overall, it’s an excellent way to spend a few hours immersed in Malta’s rich history and heritage...."

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Michelle Walsh

3 weeks ago

"No experience to Valletta is complete without a visit to the Grand Master's Palace. The scale of the armoury display is breathtaking but also verythought provoking. You get a real sense of the history of the island as you travel through the palace. Our visit coincided with a Goya exhibition on War, which was dark and disturbing but utterly relevant given the current global climate...."

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The Grandmaster’s Palace and Armoury appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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