Republic Square (Piazza Regina), Valletta

Square in Valletta

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Matthew Axiak

Republic Square, known locally as Piazza Regina or Queen's Square, is one of Valletta's most beautiful and sociable spots — a perfect blend of history, architecture, and atmosphere. Once the financial center of the Order of St. John, this graceful plaza has evolved into the city's beating heart, where locals and travelers alike gather for coffee, conversation, and people-watching. Set between the National Library and the Grand Master's Palace, the square combines the elegance of the past with the energy of the present, making it one of the best places to visit in Valletta.

Whether you're sipping an espresso under the watchful gaze of Queen Victoria's statue or admiring the symmetry of its surrounding buildings, Republic Square captures the spirit of Valletta — refined, welcoming, and steeped in history. Its arcaded façades, gentle bustle, and café culture make it not just a picturesque setting but a living link between the city's past grandeur and modern charm. It's also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Valletta, especially if you want to experience the capital's vibrant daily rhythm.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get There
Is Republic Square Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

Republic Square has served as a civic and cultural hub since the 16th century, when it was originally known as Piazza Tesori, or Treasury Square. This name referred to its role as the site of the Order of St. John's Treasury, where the Knights managed their finances and stored their wealth. The square's strategic position, near the Grand Master's Palace, placed it at the administrative heart of the city.

During the British period, the square took on a new identity. In 1891, a bronze statue of Queen Victoria was installed at its center to commemorate her Golden Jubilee, and the plaza became affectionately known as Queen's Square or Piazza Regina. The statue remains a defining landmark today, symbolizing the long-standing relationship between Malta and the British Crown. Surrounding the square are architectural treasures that trace Malta's layered history — from the 16th-century Common Treasure House, which once held the Knights' archives, to the late-18th-century National Library designed by Stefano Ittar.

The library's neoclassical façade and the elegant arcades of the square create a timeless scene, where Renaissance and British influences coexist harmoniously. Over the centuries, Republic Square has witnessed Malta's transformation — from the rule of the Knights to British colonial times, through independence, and into the vibrant modern capital it is today.

Things to See and Do

One of the square's main attractions is the National Library of Malta (Bibliotheca), completed in 1796. Its grand façade and peaceful reading rooms house centuries-old manuscripts, including rare documents from the Order of St. John. Even if you don't enter, the library's exterior and symmetry contribute to the square's distinctive character.

Opposite stands the former Common Treasure House, which has served many roles throughout its life — from treasury to government offices, post office, hotel, and cinema. Today, it houses the Casino Maltese, a private members’ club known for its ornate interiors and historic charm. The ground floor, open to the public, is lined with elegant cafés and shops. Among them, Café Cordina stands out as a true institution. Founded in 1837, it is one of Malta’s oldest coffeehouses and a must-stop for pastries, gelato, or a traditional Maltese pastizz while soaking up the lively atmosphere of the piazza.

Street performers, musicians, and local artists occasionally add to the ambiance, making Republic Square feel alive yet relaxed. Whether you visit in the morning light or under the soft glow of evening, the square always seems to capture Valletta's essence — sophisticated, historic, and welcoming.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Morning for coffee or late afternoon for golden light and evening ambiance
Entrance fee in Euros: Free
Opening hours: Open all day; cafés and shops vary by business
Official website: N/A
How long to spend: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Accessibility: Fully accessible and flat
Facilities: Outdoor seating, cafés, public restrooms nearby
Photography tip: Capture Queen Victoria's statue framed by the National Library's columns for a quintessential Valletta shot
Guided tours: Often included in Valletta historical walking tours
Nearby food options: Café Cordina, Palazzo Preca, and Taproom Restaurant

How to Get There

Republic Square is located at the intersection of Republic Street and Archbishop Street, right in the center of Valletta. From the City Gate or the Valletta Bus Terminal, it's about a 10-minute walk straight along Republic Street. Visitors arriving via the Barrakka Lift from the Grand Harbour can reach the square on foot within 15 minutes by following the signs to St. George's Square and the Grand Master's Palace.

Is Republic Square Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Republic Square is one of the top attractions in Valletta, offering a perfect mix of beauty, culture, and local flavor. It's not just a place to pass through — it's somewhere to linger, to observe, and to savor the city's rhythm. Whether you're exploring its historic landmarks or simply relaxing with a coffee, this square offers a snapshot of Valletta's heart and soul.

Nearby Attractions

Upper Barrakka Gardens – Offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the daily Saluting Battery ceremony.
Grand Master's Palace – Former residence of the Knights and home to Malta's presidential offices.
National Library of Malta – Historic collection of manuscripts and books dating back to the Order of St. John.
St. John's Co-Cathedral – One of Europe's finest Baroque churches, home to Caravaggio's masterpieces.
MUŻA – Malta's National Community Art Museum, housed in the Auberge D'Italie.

The Republic Square (Piazza Regina) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

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