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Karelj CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Grandmaster's Palace, Valletta

Museum

In Valletta, the Grandmaster's Palace showcases 16th‑century Knights' state rooms, a small armory and ceremonial halls; tourists come for the ornate Baroque architecture, guided tours and proximity to St. John's Co‑Cathedral and the harbour.

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Grandmaster's Palace, Valletta essentials

Address: Palace Square, Valletta, Malta
Website: heritagemalta.mt
Hours: Varies; guided tours available seasonally
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About Grandmaster's Palace, Valletta

The Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta was the residence and administrative centre of the Grand Masters of the Order of St John and is located in the heart of Malta’s capital. The core building dates to the 16th century and was adapted and refurnished over subsequent centuries.

Visitors see the palace’s formal State Rooms and the Palace Armoury, a substantial historic weapons collection displayed in vaulted chambers. The palace façade and interiors reflect successive alterations from the Baroque and later periods and are a major architectural landmark in Valletta’s compact grid.

The palace was constructed and used by the Knights of St John from Valletta’s foundation in the 16th century and later served civil and governmental roles under subsequent rulers. Over time its interiors and functions changed to accommodate administrative needs and it now houses both state offices and public exhibition spaces.

Situated on Republic Street in Valletta’s historic core, the palace is immediately accessible on foot from the city’s main squares and harbours and forms part of Valletta’s dense urban UNESCO-inscribed streetscape.

  • Central location: Positioned in Valletta’s city centre on Republic Street near St. George’s Square, so most major city walking routes pass the palace.
  • Access note: The complex today includes official state functions alongside museum displays, so some parts may be closed to casual visitors when state events occur.

What to See#

  • State Rooms: The State Rooms occupy the historic ceremonial suites used by the Knights and later governors; many rooms retain original paneling, balconies and decorative features used for official functions.
  • Palace Armoury: The Palace Armoury houses a large historic collection of arms and armour assembled during the rule of the Knights of St John and later periods, displayed in a series of vaulted rooms.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Grandmaster's Palace, Valletta

Spring and autumn give a comfortable climate and fewer crowds; the palace's interior is open year-round when scheduled events permit.

Spring
March-May · 15-23°C
Pleasant weather for combining palace visits with Valletta's terraces.
Autumn
September-November · 20-28°C
Warm sea air and fewer cruise-ship crowds.
Winter
December-February · 10-16°C
Milder Mediterranean winter; quieter streets but shorter daylight.

Weather & Climate near Grandmaster's Palace, Valletta

Climate

Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 10°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (520 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 46 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 10° - 16° 13° 87 mm partly cloudy 74% 4.6 m/s 0.4 low 9.9h
February Very Good 10° - 16° 13° 57 mm partly cloudy 76% 4.3 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.8h
March Very Good 11° - 17° 14° 36 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.3 m/s 1.0 high 11.8h
April Excellent 12° - 20° 16° 21 mm some cloud 83% 4.8 m/s 1.5 high 13.0h
May Ideal 16° - 24° 20° 8 mm mostly sunny 82% 4.4 m/s 1.9 very high 13.9h
June Ideal 19° - 28° 24° 2 mm clear 80% 3.7 m/s 2.3 extreme 14.4h
July Ideal 22° - 30° 26° 0 mm clear 77% 3.6 m/s 2.4 extreme 14.1h
August Ideal 23° - 31° 27° 5 mm clear 75% 3.3 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.3h
September Ideal 21° - 28° 25° 43 mm mostly sunny 75% 3.4 m/s 1.5 high 12.3h
October Excellent 18° - 25° 21° 76 mm some cloud 76% 3.8 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.2h
November Very Good 14° - 21° 18° 83 mm partly cloudy 74% 3.7 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.2h
December Good 12° - 18° 15° 102 mm partly cloudy 73% 4.2 m/s 0.3 low 9.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Grandmaster's Palace, Valletta

The palace is in central Valletta on Republic Street and Palace Square. It is a short walk from Valletta’s ferry terminal and well served by local buses that terminate in the city.

Tips for Visiting Grandmaster's Palace, Valletta

  • The palace is an official government building; guided tours run at scheduled times and must be booked in advance for large groups.
  • Visit the State Rooms for the best sense of the palace's layered history - the Great Council Chamber, armoury and auberges.
  • Pay attention to the palace façades in Republic Street for details from the Knights' period.