The Presidential Palace - a symbol of the capital city

The Valletta Palace is built around a central courtyard and in common with many Mannerist palaces in Italy and France, its four corners are accented by rusticated pilasters which run up the whole height of the building which is a traditional two storey one. On the first floor, one finds a suite of well proportioned apartments which today are fully decorated by exquisite works of art.

The palace is also endowed with a number of courtyards which have changed considerably through the passages of time. Undoubtedly most famous is the Neptune Courtyard which takes its name from the imposing statue of the Greek God which was transferred from its original site in the Grand Harbour in 1861. Then there is the Prince Alfred Courtyard which recalls the first visit of Queen Victoria’s second son in 1858 and which is beautifully adorned by the so-called ‘Pinto Clock’.

The interior of the palace is also blessed with several interesting features which make it strikingly unique in many ways. The winding oval staircase that connects the ground-floor loggia to the stately rooms on the piano nobile is a fine example of renaissance architecture at its best. The central Armoury Corridor is an imposing walkway which is 62 metres long and 5 metres wide with the lunettes created by the Italian painter Nicolo’ Nasoni.

The Council Chamber or as it is better known, the Tapestry Hall is now adorned by the priceless set of Gobelin Tapestries which have recently returned from Belgium after costly and extensive renovation. This hall served as the Maltese Parliament from 1921 to 1976 when the Armoury became the country’s highest chamber.

In the next issue we will take a closer look at some of the extensive and ornate rooms which decorate this fabulous building, including amongst others the State Drawing Room and the Hall of St Michael and St George.

A visit to this magnificent edifice is truly a must as it embodies the spirit of the country married to its illustrious past under various powers whilst eventually ending up as master of its own destiny.