Palazz San Anton: A Presidential Palace with a Storied Past

Palazz San Anton, a magnificent palace in Attard, Malta, has been the official residence of the President of Malta since 1974. Its story began around 1600 when Antoine de Paule, a knight of the Order of St. John, acquired land and built a country villa. Upon his election as Grand Master in 1623, the villa was enlarged into a palace around 1625 and named after his patron saint, Anthony of Padua.Successive Grand Masters used it as a residence, expanding it over time. During the French occupation, it served as the meeting place for the rebel National Assembly in 1799. Later, it became the residence of British Civil Commissioner Sir Alexander Ball in 1800. The palace also served as the official residence for the Governor and Governor-General of Malta. Queen Elizabeth II resided here during her visits to Malta.The palace boasts two chapels: one dedicated to Our Lady of Pilar, built in the 18th century, and another to St. Anthony, known as the Russian Chapel, built in the 19th century. Surrounding the palace are the extensive San Anton Gardens, open to the public since 1882, featuring walkways, fountains, ponds, sculptures, and diverse flora, including 300-year-old trees. While the palace interior is generally not open to the public, the gardens offer a serene and beautiful experience.