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Palace Armoury: A Glimpse into Malta's Knightly Past

Explore a vast collection of arms and armor from the Knights of St. John in Valletta's Grandmaster's Palace.

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Housed within the Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta, the Palace Armoury showcases a remarkable collection of arms and armor dating back to the Order of St. John. It offers a tangible connection to the knights' history and their battles.

A brief summary to Palace Armoury

Local tips

  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the armoury's extensive collection.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the State Rooms in the Grandmaster's Palace for a comprehensive historical experience.
  • Check the Heritage Malta website for any temporary exhibitions or events happening at the Palace Armoury.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Palace Armoury is located in the heart of Valletta, in Grandmaster's Palace on Palace Square. From City Gate, walk straight along Republic Street, the main thoroughfare. Turn right at Palace Square. The entrance to the Armoury is clearly marked. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Valletta is the central hub for Malta's bus network. Numerous bus routes terminate at the main bus station just outside City Gate. From the bus station, walk along Republic Street and turn right at Palace Square. A single bus journey costs €2 during the summer and €1.50 during the winter.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Malta. Ask your hotel or use a ride-hailing app to book a taxi to Valletta City Gate. From there, walk along Republic Street and turn right at Palace Square. A short taxi ride from nearby Floriana to Valletta City Gate typically costs around €10-€15.

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Discover more about Palace Armoury

The Palace Armoury in Valletta is a captivating journey into the world of the Knights of St. John, a unique brotherhood of warrior monks who shaped Malta's history. Established in 1604, the armoury served as the main arsenal for the Order, housing enough arms to equip thousands of soldiers. Today, it stands as one of the world's most extensive arms collections housed in its original building, offering a glimpse into the past glories of these combatant aristocrats. The collection features a diverse array of weaponry and armor, reflecting the evolution of military technology from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Visitors can admire the intricate designs and craftsmanship of ceremonial and practical armor, including those of Grand Masters. Highlights include the Italian Sallet, the La Vallette armour, the Wignacourt parade armour and the 'Pompeo della Cesa' armour. Firearms, swords, and other melee weapons are also prominently displayed, including Ottoman arms captured during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. In 1975, the collection was moved to its current location on the ground floor of the Grandmaster's Palace. Despite not being in its original location, the Palace Armoury remains a treasure trove of European military and cultural heritage. The museum provides audio guides to enhance the visitor experience, offering detailed insights into the history of the armoury and its many treasures.

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