As someone who considers herself a connoisseur of ornate ceilings and creaky wooden floors, visiting the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta, Malta, felt like I’d hit a historical jackpot.
If you’ve never been, let me paint you a picture: imagine striding through the same corridors where knights once plotted, and probably gossiped about, their next grand adventure.
Trust me, my inner history nerd was in absolute heaven.
I set out with the noble intention of comparing Malta’s Grand Master’s Palace to the one in Rhodes — because, of course, who better than a ’Knight’ to judge the legacies of centuries-old knights?
Visiting Info: What You Need to Know
The Palace is open to the public most days:
- January 5 to February 28: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- March 1 to October 31: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
I’d recommend checking the official Heritage Malta website before your visit, as the President occasionally needs to host dignitaries (and, rumor has it, the odd dragon-slaying ceremony), which can close the State Rooms at short notice.
Tickets are:
- €15 for adults
- €13 for students and seniors
- €11 for children.
Want to avoid queuing behind a crowd of selfie-stick-wielding tourists?
Book your tickets online via heritagemalta.mt — it’s quick, painless, and ensures you’re not left outside staring longingly at the palace gates.
Malta Pass: Channel Your Inner VIP Tourist
If you’re planning to see several sites while in Malta, here’s a pro tip: consider picking up the Malta Pass.
It covers entry to the Grand Master’s Palace, among dozens of other attractions, saves you a bit of cash, and lets you breeze past the ticket line like the VIP you always knew you were.
Prices are (current as 26 January 2026):
- €55 for 1 day
- €75 for 2 days
- €87 for 3 days
Just check the latest online information to see which sites are included and whether there are any special offers during your visit!
Getting There: Easy as Pastizzi
Valletta is a city I love discovering on foot, and the Palace is smack dab in the city center on Palace Square.
When I arrived by bus, I just hopped off at the Valletta bus terminal and strolled down Republic Street.
Full disclosure: despite my best intentions and Google Maps, I managed to get lost in the tangle of Valletta’s charming streets.
Luckily, the city planners anticipated explorers like me. There were plenty of signs pointing the way to the Palace, and following them felt like participating in a treasure hunt with a guaranteed reward at the end.
A Dose of History
Grabbing a nice guide brochure, I wandered through the palace, learning more about its history. Built in the 16th century for the grandest of the Grand Masters of the Order of St John, the Palace is one of those places where you can practically feel the echoes of power brokering and intrigue in the air.
It is a living gallery of Maltese history, and with every ornate door I passed through, I felt as if I were stepping deeper into the narrative.
According to the plaque I found near the entrance, the Palace was not just a home but the very nerve center of the Order’s ruling operations.
Over the centuries, it has hosted secret meetings, lavish banquets, epic balls, and, I imagine, some very dramatic arguments over who got the fanciest suit of armor.
Later, it became the residence of British governors — think more tea and less swordplay — and now it’s the official office of the President of Malta.
Truthfully, after years of being scolded for daring to take out my camera while visiting historic British castles and palaces, I nearly did a victory dance when I realized I could snap away here.
Finally, a palace that appreciates my gift for interior photography — take that, Windsor and Holyroodhouse!
State Rooms: Where Ceiling Staring is Highly Encouraged
I was genuinely awestruck as I wandered through the State Rooms, trying hard not to look like a total tourist as I craned my neck at every ceiling.
The gilded ceilings are so elaborate you almost forget to look where you’re walking, and the 18th-century tapestries are so detailed I caught myself inventing stories for the characters woven into their threads.
I actually lost track of time trying to count all the coats of arms — each one tied to a Grand Master with a backstory worthy of its own Netflix series.
The Throne Room: Denied My Royal Moment
Ah, the Throne Room — arguably the crown jewel of the palace, with its gilded canopies, regal red velvet, and the kind of extravagance that makes you want to practice your most dignified royal wave.
Unfortunately, during my visit, the Throne Room was closed for official events. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit miffed. I’d been hoping to size up the Grand Master’s chair and maybe even imagine myself presiding over a medieval council. You know, just wanted to rule over Instagram for a day.
Still, even without this showstopper, the rest of the palace was so spectacular that my disappointment faded pretty quickly. There’s just that much to soak in.
Francisco de Goya’s Disasters of War
During my visit, Heritage Malta was exhibiting prints of 80 etchings by Spanish artist Francisco Goya titled “The Disasters of War.”
Entry to this exhibit was included with my main ticket.
The exhibit guides visitors through Goya’s unflinching vision: scenes of violence, famine, and suffering, as well as moments of courage and resilience.
Each print is accompanied by insightful commentary that offers historical context and a deeper understanding of the artist’s perspective.
This rare exhibition at the Grand Master’s Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art, history, and the human experience.
Goya’s haunting etchings lined the gallery walls, each one so vivid and raw I felt almost as if I’d stumbled into the chaos and heartbreak of 19th-century Spain.
I lingered in front of the prints, reading the captions and letting the emotion of each piece sink in.
It was a moving, sobering experience that added a whole new layer to my visit, reminding me how art and history collide in the most unforgettable ways.
Armoury Museum: Where I Tried Not to Touch Anything
Another highlight was the palace’s Armoury Museum, a jaw-dropping collection of weapons and armor that deserves its own fanfare.
If you’re curious about dueling pistols, ornate shields, or want to know how many pointy things the Knights collected, check out my next journal entry for the full scoop.
Why You’ll Love It
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good suit of armor, the Grand Master’s Palace is an absolute must-see.
I left with my camera roll bursting at the seams, my head spinning with tales of knights and intrigue, and a suspiciously strong desire to buy a broadsword.
I mean, can you imagine me at airport security? “No sir, it’s just a very shiny souvenir…” LOL!
No, I didn’t bring home a sword, but I didn’t leave Malta alone. Two lovely knights followed me home. They now guard and protect the “Crown of Travel.”
So next time you find yourself in Valletta, set aside a morning for the palace. Your inner knight will thank you, and your Instagram followers will too.
Until next time …
HAVE PASSPORT, WILL TRAVEL!
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