Girgenti Palace: A Maltese Gem

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Discover Girgenti Palace: A historic Maltese landmark with stunning views and tranquil gardens, once home to Malta's inquisitors.

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Girgenti Palace

Girgenti Palace, near Siġġiewi, Malta, is a 17th-century palace that blends architectural splendor with rustic charm. Originally a summer residence for Malta's inquisitors, it now serves as the Prime Minister's official residence, offering scenic views and tranquil gardens.

A brief summary to Girgenti Palace

VC24+FP5, Siġġiewi, MT

Local tips

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
Check for any public events or open days to explore the interior of the palace.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the gardens and grounds involves some walking.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Valletta, take bus line 74 to the Kandja, L-Imqabba stop. The journey takes approximately 21 minutes and costs €3. From the Kandja bus stop, you will need to take another bus or taxi to Girgenti Palace. Alternatively, from Buskett Gardens, walk to the nearest bus stop on Triq il-Buskett and take bus route 62 towards Siġġiewi. After a 10-15 minute ride, get off at the Siġġiewi stop, from where it is a 15-minute walk to the palace.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Malta. A taxi from Valletta to Siġġiewi takes approximately 13 minutes. Expect to pay around €22.5 for a 5km trip. Several taxi services operate in Malta, including eCabs and Bolt.
Walking

A scenic walking route, the Girgenti Walk, begins at the entrance to Buskett Gardens on the outskirts of Dingli and ends in Siġġiewi's main square. From there, it is a short walk to Girgenti Palace. This route passes prehistoric cart ruts, Għar il-Kbir, and the Laferla Cross. Note that the walk from Buskett to the palace is considerable.

Discover more about Girgenti Palace

Nestled in the heart of the Maltese countryside near the village of Siġġiewi, Girgenti Palace is a captivating blend of architectural grandeur and rustic charm. Dating back to 1625, it was initially built as a summer residence for Malta's inquisitors. Today, it serves as one of the official residences of the Prime Minister of Malta. The palace was constructed by Inquisitor Onorato Visconti on land confiscated from Matteo Falzon, who was accused of heresy. For centuries, it provided a serene retreat for the island's inquisitors until the abolition of the Inquisition in 1798. During the British period, it served as a summer residence for the Lieutenant Governors and later as a storage space for the National Museum's collection. The palace boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside and gardens, which are naturally irrigated by springs. A chapel dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo, built in 1763, is also located on the grounds. Although simpler in style compared to other palazzos of the era, its plain facade, charming chapel, and beautiful gardens create a captivating rural aesthetic. While the interior is not generally open to the public, the external beauty and historical significance of Girgenti Palace are enough to captivate any visitor.