Grand Masters Palace
Gigantic attraction with celebrity value
Masters Palace in the Maltese capital Valletta is one of the most important sights on the island of Malta. The imposing palace dates back to the 16th century and is an impressive secular building. In the past, the magnificent building served as the official residence of various rulers. At the present time, a large part of the Grand Master’s Palace can be visited, making it one of the most famous sights in Malta. Official state receptions are also held in the palace. During this time, however, the palace cannot be entered. The first floor of the palace is called the piano nobile. In the past, splendid rooms adorned the floor. On the ground floor, on the other hand, there are quarters for staff and stables. The Grand Master’s Palace was basically built according to this structure. State ministries and offices are currently located on the ground floor.
Cultural discovery tour in the Grand Master’s Palace
The gigantic arsenal of the knights is open to visitors every day between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Culture lovers are accompanied by an audio guide at the entrance to the Arsenal. This allows historical backgrounds to be learned. The development of the time epochs and essential aspects of the weapon stock are illustrated in different languages. A tour of the Armory Corridor, the Grand Council Chamber and the Supreme Council Hall promise impressive cultural experiences. Visiting the throne of the former Grand Master and learning about the history is a cultural delight. The palace can be visited extensively, so enough time should be planned.
Discover a journey through time through the ages
Over 5000 exhibits await the visitors and allow extensive insights into the epochs of that time. Carriages and armor of the knights of the order can be discovered in mighty, even artistic rooms. Even the armor of the grandmasters Jean de la Valette and Alof de Wignacourt can be admired live. Friends of historical epochs can experience an eventful and impressive time in the Grand Master’s Palace and collect valuable impressions.
Rabat
Image: St. Paul Rabat Church, Malta Catacombs
Malta is still a real insider tip for tourists from all over the world. Anyone who is traveling in the small island nation in the Mediterranean should definitely pay a visit to Rabat. The city in the west of the country is especially famous for its well-preserved Roman buildings, which are well worth seeing. One of the great attractions of Rabat is the Church of St. Paul. The impressive three-aisled church is characterized by a richly decorated facade. The interior is mainly characterized by valuable paintings, statues and altars. Under the baroque church, which opened in the late 18th century, is the Paulus Grotto, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the Apostle Paul. In the center of the large grotto, which is considered to be the nucleus of Maltese Christianity, there is a large sculpture of the Apostle Paul. A visit to Rabat should also include the Museum of Roman Antiquities and the St. Paul’s Catacombs, which are known far beyond the Maltese borders. More than 1,400 people were buried in the Roman catacombs, which are more than 2,000 years old. The so-called Victoria Lines is also worth seeing. The more than ten kilometer long fortification, which originated in the early 18th century, has been gradually restored over the past decades and is now one of the region’s major tourist attractions.
Mdina
In the western interior of the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta, there is the historically remarkable city of Mdina, which was formerly also the capital of the island and is now one of the most visited places in Malta due to its impressive medieval appearance.
Mdina has a very special atmosphere
Since Mdina itself has little tourist infrastructure and is mainly visited by day tourists, the city is also known as the “quiet city” and impresses with its well-kept cityscape. In Mdina, too, the limestone so typical of Malta dominates, which is mostly sand-colored and gives the houses, churches and palaces in the narrow streets of Mdina their very own character. The origins of Mdina go back to the Bronze Age, when the first settlement arose in the area of today’s Mdina due to its favorable location, which was later continuously developed by the Phoenicians and Romans. Mdina experienced its heyday from 1530 AD under the rule of the Johanniter, who chose Mdina as their capital. But since a little later the opinion prevailed,
Unique structures
Probably the most imposing building in Mdina is the Cathedral of St. Paul, which was built by the well-known church architect Lorenzo Gafà between 1697 AD and 1702 AD and leaves a lasting impression with its simplicity and elegance. Although St. Paul’s Cathedral looks rather inconspicuous from the outside, its magnificent interior makes it one of the most interesting church buildings in all of Malta.
Also well worth seeing is the Palazzo Falson in the north of Mdina, which is a very special feast for the eyes thanks to its unusual facade decoration in the Norman style. Another highlight is the cathedral museum, in which works by Albrecht Dürer can be admired.
