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Palazzo Ferreria: Valletta's Architectural Gem

Discover Palazzo Ferreria in Valletta: A stunning palace blending Venetian Gothic architecture with traditional Maltese balconies. A historic landmark!

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Palazzo Ferreria, also known as Palazzo Buttiġieġ-Francia, is a late 19th-century palace located near the entrance of Valletta. Designed by architect Giuseppe Bonavia, it stands out with its Venetian Gothic architecture and traditional Maltese timber balconies. Today, it houses shops and government offices.

A brief summary to Palazzo Ferreria

  • VGW5+PX7, Valletta, MT

Local tips

  • Admire the unique timber balconies, a hallmark of Maltese architecture, incorporated into the Venetian Gothic design.
  • Visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Explore the surrounding gardens for a serene escape and picturesque photo opportunities.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Palazzo Ferreria is located on Republic Street, near the entrance to Valletta. From City Gate, walk straight ahead on Republic Street; the palace will be on your right. From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, head down towards Republic Street and follow it until you see Palazzo Ferreria on VGW5+PX7.

  • Public Transport

    The main bus terminus in Valletta is located just outside City Gate. From the terminus, walk towards Republic Street; Palazzo Ferreria will be a short walk on your right. Bus fares range from €2.00 to €2.50 for a single trip. A 7-day Explore card, offering unlimited travel, is available for €25.

  • Ferry

    From the Three Cities, take the Valletta Ferry to the Valletta terminal. Upon arrival at the Valletta Ferry Terminal, exit and walk straight towards the city center. Walk straight onto Republic Street, and you will find Palazzo Ferreria located at VGW5+PX7 within a few minutes. The ferry costs approximately €2.50 for a one-way trip. A round-trip ticket is €4.65. Passengers from Cospicua receive a ticket for the Upper Barrakka lift, offering complimentary access to Valletta's center.

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Discover more about Palazzo Ferreria

Palazzo Ferreria, officially Palazzo Buttiġieġ-Francia, is a prominent palace situated near the entrance of Valletta, Malta. Constructed in the late 19th century (completed in 1897), it stands on the site of a former foundry of the Order of St John, where the Knights' armaments were manufactured. The palace was built by Giuseppe Buttigieg and his wife, Giovanna Camilleri, who acquired the land from the government. Their coat of arms is visibly displayed on the façade. The palace was later passed down as a dowry to their daughter, Teresa Buttigieg, who married Colonel John Louis Francia. For a time, the palace was known as Palazzo Francia. Designed by Giuseppe Bonavia, Palazzo Ferreria is noted for its Venetian Gothic architectural style, incorporating unique Maltese timber balconies. Bonavia also designed the Lija Belvedere Tower and La Borsa (Malta's Stock Exchange). Palazzo Ferreria was the first building on the island to incorporate these balconies, which later became a symbol of Maltese architecture. The Francia family resided in the palace until 1947. During World War II, many buildings in Valletta were damaged, and the Labour government, led by Dom Mintoff, rented part of Palazzo Ferreria for the Public Works Department to reconstruct the city. In 1979, the Francia family sold the palace to the Maltese government. Today, Palazzo Ferreria houses retail establishments on the ground floor and government offices on the upper levels. It is a Grade 2 national monument, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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