Verdala Palace: A Presidential Retreat in Buskett Gardens

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Discover Verdala Palace: Malta's presidential summer retreat, blending Renaissance architecture with captivating history in the serene Buskett Gardens.

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Verdala Palace

Nestled in the tranquil Buskett Gardens of Siġġiewi, Malta, Verdala Palace is a stunning 16th-century palace built by Grand Master de Verdalle as a hunting lodge. Today, it serves as the summer residence of the President of Malta, offering a glimpse into the island's rich history and architecture.

A brief summary to Verdala Palace

VC62+H6X, Siġġiewi, MT

Local tips

Check with the tourist information office in Valletta for information on occasional public tours.
Visit during the spring (April-June) or autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Explore the surrounding Buskett Gardens for a peaceful retreat and panoramic views of the island.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Valletta, take bus line 52 towards Rabat. The journey takes approximately 37 minutes and costs €3. Alight at the Qbiel, Ir-Rabat stop. From there, it's a short walk to Verdala Palace. Alternatively, bus lines 51, 53, 56, and 181 also stop near Verdala Palace. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Taxi

From Malta International Airport, a taxi to Verdala Palace takes approximately 20 minutes, covering a distance of about 6.9 km. The estimated fare is between €20-€30. Ride-sharing services are also available.

Discover more about Verdala Palace

Verdala Palace, located in the Buskett Gardens near Siġġiewi, is a testament to Malta's rich history and architectural grandeur. Constructed in 1586 by Grand Master Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle of the Order of St. John, it began as a hunting lodge before being transformed into the impressive palace that stands today. Designed by Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar, the palace showcases a blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles.The palace's architecture is characterized by its square shape, with five-story towers at each corner and a surrounding stone ditch, giving it the appearance of a fortress. However, this was mainly symbolic, as the palace was intended as a place of leisure and retreat. The interior boasts ornate decorations, including frescoes on the ceilings, and reflects the artistic prowess of the Grand Masters who resided there. The palace also includes a chapel, stables, and servant quarters.Throughout its history, Verdala Palace has served various purposes. During the French blockade of Malta, it was used as a military prison. Under British rule, it was briefly a silk factory before being restored and becoming the summer residence of the British Governors. Today, it is the official summer residence of the President of Malta and has hosted numerous dignitaries and heads of state. Legend has it that the palace is haunted by the Blue Lady, adding an element of mystery to its storied past. Although the palace is not generally open to the public, it occasionally hosts events such as the August Moon Ball.