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St. George's Square: Valletta's Vibrant Heart

Experience the vibrant heart of Valletta at St. George's Square, a historic landmark hosting events, culture, and stunning architecture.

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St. George's Square, also known as Palace Square, is the main square in Valletta, Malta. Dating back to the 17th century, it has been the site of significant historical events and is now a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike, hosting festivals, exhibitions, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to St. George’s Square

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

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VGX7+JCW, Republic St, Valletta, MT
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring St. George’s Square.

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best light for photography.
Check for local events or performances happening in the square during your visit.
Take a short walk to the nearby Upper Barrakka Gardens for stunning views of the Grand Harbour.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the surrounding streets are cobblestone.

Discover more about St. George’s Square

St. George's Square, or Palace Square, is the heart of Valletta, Malta, steeped in history and brimming with life. Dating back to the 17th century, this grand square has witnessed royal visits, victory celebrations, and the presentation of the George Cross to Malta in 1942.Flanked by significant buildings, the square is dominated by the Grandmaster's Palace, now the Office of the President of Malta. Other notable buildings include the Main Guard, the Casa Dei Conti, and the Hostel de Verdelin, now a police station.Once a car park in the 1980s, St. George's Square was beautifully restored in 2009 and transformed into a pedestrianized open space. Today, it's a 'people's square' hosting art exhibitions, flower festivals, and musical events. A captivating dancing water spectacle occurs hourly, adding to its allure. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is held monthly.Archaeological excavations revealed that the site was once agricultural land before Valletta was built in the 1560s. During the Hospitaller period, it served as a slave market, and public floggings took place there.

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    Getting There

    Walking

    St. George's Square is centrally located in Valletta and easily accessible on foot from most points within the city. From City Gate, walk straight down Republic Street, the main thoroughfare, and the square will be on your left. From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, walk along Castille Place and then turn left onto Republic Street. The square will be on your right. No costs are involved.

    Public Transport

    Valletta is the main public transport hub in Malta. Numerous bus routes connect to the Valletta Bus Terminus, located just outside City Gate. From the terminus, walk straight through City Gate and down Republic Street; St. George's Square will be on your left. A single journey bus ticket costs €2.50 during the summer (mid-June to mid-October) and €2.00 during the winter. Multi-day tickets are also available.

    Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Malta and can take you directly to St. George's Square. Be aware that traffic can be congested at times. From the Valletta Waterfront, a taxi ride to St. George's Square will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Malta have a base fare of €3.50, with additional charges per kilometer. A 5km ride in Valletta costs about 23 EUR.

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