Grand Master's Palace — Where Napoleon Stole Everything

This is not an ordinary palace. It was the seat of power that ruled the Mediterranean for nearly 300 years. Here the Grand Masters of the Knights of Malta planned military campaigns, received kings, and plotted their intrigues. When Napoleon arrived in 1798, he took everything that was not bolted to the floor — it took him just six days.

Today the President of Malta works here, but the spirit of the Knights never really left.

Palace Armoury: 5,000 Instruments of War

If you think museums are boring, the Armoury will change your mind. It is one of the largest collections of military artefacts in the world.

• Armour weighing 35–40 kg (try running in that in 30-degree heat)
• The gilded armour of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt — looking like an Armani suit in metal form
• Cannons, pistols, swords and halberds from the 16th to 18th centuries

State Rooms: Power Made Visible

The State Rooms were where heads of state were received. The Knights needed to prove their power and wealth. They succeeded.

• Tapestry Corridor: Giant 18th-century Flemish tapestries depicting the "Exotic New World" — elephants, rhinos, Native Americans. Literally priceless.
• Throne Room: Ceiling frescoes telling the story of the Great Siege of 1565 — a painted historical comic strip for aristocrats.
• Council Chamber: Where the Knights made their decisions. The Maltese Parliament sits here now.

Practical Notes

The Palace stands on St. George's Square in the heart of Valletta (where the fountains spray up from the pavement). Entry from €10 (armoury only) to €15 (rooms + armoury). Check the Heritage Malta website to see if the State Rooms are open — sometimes the President is receiving guests.