Verdala Palace (exterior)

The summer residence

Verdala Palace (Il-Palazz Verdala) is an elegant castle-palace on a hill above Buskett woodland, built in 1586 for Grand Master Hugues Loubenx de Verdala. The designer was Girolamo Cassar, the same architect who designed St. John's Co-Cathedral and most of Valletta's buildings.

From knights to president

The palace served as the summer residence of the Grand Masters, who escaped here from hot Valletta in summer. It then served the same function for British governors. Since 1974, it has been the official summer residence of Malta's president. This makes it one of the few palaces in the world continuously used as a head of state's residence for over 400 years.

Defensive architecture

Despite its elegance, the palace has defensive features: four corner towers, a deep moat (now dry), and thick walls. Cassar designed it as a building that could serve as a refuge if needed. Surrounded by Malta's only woodland, the palace looks like something from a fairy tale.

Practical tip: The palace is closed to the public (active presidential residence). You can see it from outside while walking through Buskett Gardens. Occasionally opened during Mnarja (28-29 June) and Notte Bianca.