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Palace Armoury: A Knight's Tale

Explore the arsenal of the Knights of St. John at Valletta's Palace Armoury, a treasure trove of arms and armor dating back centuries.

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Step back in time at the Palace Armoury in Valletta, Malta, one of the world's largest arms collections housed in its original building. Explore the arsenal of the Knights of St. John, filled with suits of armor, firearms, and artillery dating back to the 16th century.

A brief summary to Palace Armoury

Local tips

  • Allow at least 1.5 - 2 hours to fully explore the extensive collection of arms and armor.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Grandmaster's Palace State Rooms for a comprehensive historical experience.
  • Check the Heritage Malta website for any temporary exhibitions or special events taking place at the Palace Armoury.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Palace Armoury is located in the heart of Valletta, in St. George's Square. From City Gate, walk straight down Republic Street for approximately 10 minutes. The Grandmaster's Palace, housing the Armoury, will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    Valletta is the main public transport hub in Malta. Numerous bus routes connect to Valletta from all over the island. From the main bus terminus just outside City Gate, walk straight down Republic Street for approximately 10 minutes to reach the Grandmaster's Palace. A single bus journey costs €2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Malta. A taxi from Malta International Airport to Valletta costs approximately €20-25. From the taxi stand at City Gate, walk straight down Republic Street for approximately 10 minutes to reach the Grandmaster's Palace.

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Discover more about Palace Armoury

The Palace Armoury in Valletta is a captivating journey into the world of the Knights of St. John, offering a glimpse into their military prowess and rich history. Housed within the Grandmaster's Palace, this remarkable collection showcases one of the world's most extensive displays of arms and armor in its original building. Originally established in 1604, the Armoury served as the main arsenal of the Order of St. John during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was strategically located within the Grandmaster's Palace by Alof de Wignacourt to store enough arms and armor for thousands of soldiers. The collection was later rearranged in the 18th century under Manuel Pinto da Fonseca. Today, the Palace Armoury displays a wide array of authentic arms and armor with Italian, German, French, and Spanish origins. Among the highlights are parade armors of Grand Masters, the Italian Sallet, and various swords, firearms, and artillery pieces. The collection also features captured Ottoman arms from the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. The Armoury provides a unique opportunity to witness a working arsenal that has survived in its original building. It stands as a testament to the military and cultural heritage of Malta and the Mediterranean region during the time of the Knights.

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