Photos: Andrzej Otrębski, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Rossi, Giovanni Giacomo de, 1627-1691 Cantelli, Giacomo, 1643-1695 Rossi, Domenico de, 1647-1729 Donia, Francesco, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Oulds D C (Lt), Royal Navy official photographer, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo credits
Photos: Andrzej Otrębski, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Rossi, Giovanni Giacomo de, 1627-1691 Cantelli, Giacomo, 1643-1695 Rossi, Domenico de, 1647-1729 Donia, Francesco, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Oulds D C (Lt), Royal Navy official photographer, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
The palace that ran the Knights' Malta
Your local guide
Carmen Spiteri
View profile
Highlights
- A palace still used as a seat of government
- The Knights' former centre of power
- Architecture built to last centuries
- A role that has barely changed since
- Valletta's most continuously used landmark
About this tour
This session looks at the Grandmaster's Palace from the outside, the former seat of government for the Knights of St John and now the office of Malta's president. You see the palace's facade and courtyard, and learn how its role has stayed remarkably consistent over the centuries. The camera stays on the public courtyard throughout.
I start with the facade and the palace's history under the Knights, then move to the courtyard for a closer look at the architecture. I take questions throughout and send a short note on the building's continued role afterwards.
It suits anyone interested in how a single building can remain a seat of power across very different eras. It also pairs well with the Palace Armoury call for more of the site's history.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Valletta before heading out.
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The palace facade 21 min
The camera holds on the Grandmaster's Palace facade, and I explain how it served as the seat of government for the Knights and now houses Malta's president.
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The courtyard 21 min
From the courtyard, I point out details in the architecture and explain how the building's role has continued largely unchanged into the present day.
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Your questions 9 min
Time to ask anything about Valletta: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 4 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Maltese bread and The Three Cities, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Malta time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 9 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Valletta, showing you The palace facade and The courtyard live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need to know the history already?
No background needed. The guide explains everything as it comes up.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Valletta live with my phone.
Times shown in Malta time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Tue 17 Nov · 9 seats left From 26,00 €
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