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Girgenti Palace: A Maltese Gem

Discover Girgenti Palace near Siġġiewi: a historic Maltese landmark with stunning views, rich history, and captivating gardens.

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Girgenti Palace, near Siġġiewi, Malta, is a historic palace built in 1625 as the summer residence for Malta's inquisitor. Today, it serves as an official residence of the Prime Minister of Malta, offering a blend of architectural splendor and rustic charm.

A brief summary to Girgenti Palace

  • VC24+FP5, Siġġiewi, MT

Local tips

  • Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the gardens, which have uneven paths.
  • Check for any public events or open days for a chance to explore the interior of the palace.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Valletta, take bus 62, 201, or 209 towards Siġġiewi. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Alight at the 'Girgenti' bus stop, which is a short walk to the palace. A single bus ticket costs around €2.

  • Walking

    From Siġġiewi's village center, walk towards the upper part of the village, following Triq Il-Knisja. Look for signs indicating the direction to Girgenti Palace. The walk is roughly 15-20 minutes uphill.

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Discover more about Girgenti Palace

Nestled in the heart of the Maltese countryside, close to Siġġiewi, Girgenti Palace is a captivating landmark steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Constructed in 1625 by Inquisitor Onorato Visconti, it served as the summer residence for the island's inquisitors, hence its alternative name, Inquisitor's Palace. The palace boasts impressive views of the surrounding countryside and gardens, which are naturally irrigated by springs. A chapel dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo, built in 1763, is located on the grounds. The palace's architecture, while simpler than other palazzos of the era, exudes a rustic charm with its well-proportioned facade. Throughout its history, Girgenti Palace has served various roles. After the French occupation abolished the Inquisition in 1798, it became a summer residence for the Lieutenant-Governors of Malta during the British period. During World War II, it even served as a repository for artistic treasures. Abandoned for a period, it was restored between 1988 and 1990 and transformed into the Prime Minister's summer residence. While the interior is not generally open to the public, the palace's external beauty, gardens, and historical significance make it a worthwhile destination.

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