Tour Guide, Malta, Malta
| 4 mins read
1. Auberge De Castille- Valletta
This is probably one of the most beautiful buildings in Malta. Today, it is used as the Prime Minister's office. It was opened in 1574 as the ‘hostel’ for knights coming from the Iberian Peninsula that pertained in Order of St. John. Nonetheless, the building was remodeled at least 7 times!
The Grand Master’s symbol and crescent moon is featured throughout this vast building with the main central window displaying the Grand Master’s coat of arms by all type of weaponry and arms carved in stone. Not to mention his bust and the design is a feast for the eyes!
2. The Grand Master’s Palace- Valletta
This was the parliament before the newly constructed building. More known as the ‘sede’ of the rulers of Malta and the most important administrative building for more than 300 years!
Built in the 16th century by the infamous Knights of St. John, it was devised to the place that had originally three houses. When not hosting function of the state, the first floor better known as the ‘Piano Nobile’ is opened to the public. The Council Chamber, home to a rare collection of exotic Gobelin tapestries depicts hunting scenes from different continents and is the only complete set from the 18th century. The State Dining Room is adorned with portraits of the Presidents of Malta and also one painting of Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Malta. The Supreme Council Hall is decorated with a cycle of twelve frescoes by Mattia Perez d’Aleccio depicting the Great Siege of 1565.
Perhaps our favorite part is the armory, still one of the largest collections of armaments all over Europe. The highlights include an armor of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt inlaid with gold, huge siege guns and a collection of weapons used by the Ottomans during the Great Siege.
3. Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa
This bastioned fort is in the center of the grand harbor. Built around the medieval period as castle named “Castello di Mare” Castle by the sea. The Order of St John rebuilt it. Where it witnessed its bloodiest period yet during the great siege of Malta serving as the Knights’ headquarters.
Did you know, St Angelo also has it own “Grey Lady”. Yup, it's a ghost.
4. Palazzo Verdala- Buskett Rabat.
Another ghost lady hosts this site this time and she is gray, that is the Grey Lady. This palace was originally a small lodge used for hunting. Then, enlarged and embellished by Grandmaster Verdalle from whom it takes its name, its halls are adorned by frescoes depicting the history of the Order, paintings and delicate furniture. Used as a retreat by the President today rather than the old Grandmasters, it’s haunting beauty lies mostly with the views one has from its turrets, where by the way our young lady killed herself… If you see her in her grey attire, say hello for us ;p.
5. The Maritime Museum- Vittoriosa
Going back to Vittoriosa and last in our list of beautiful buildings in Malta is this glorious building. It was once the naval bakery during the British period. Responsible for baking bread for the whole Mediterranean fleet, something like over 40,000 huge biscuits a day!
It’s our personal favorite museum showcasing unique artifacts. It includes the largest known Roman anchor in the world! The earliest known Ex-Voto on the island, the largest ship model belonging to the Order of St John and over 20,000 artifacts! It is infact the largest museum on the island! The building lies in a very scenic place.
PS. Did you know that the original building on which the Naval Bakery was built had once housed the arsenal feared and dreaded galleys of the Order?
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