The Voice of the Maltese (driven by the voice of its readers )
Issue 160
Fortnightly Fort nightly magazine magazine for for the the Diaspora Diaspora
August 1, 2017
The treasures of Malta
The Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta
The Grand Master’s Palace in Malta’s capital Valletta has been the administrative centre of the Mediterranean island for almost three and a half centuries. The original palace, built in 1571, was the seat of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitalliers of St John and later, during the British colonial period, served as the Governor’s palace. It was also the home of the House of Representatives of Malta and today it is the office of the President of the Republic of Malta.
The Council Chamber is home to a rare collection of exotic Gobelin tapestries depicting hunting scenes from different continents, its State Dining Room is adorned with portraits of the Presidents of Malta and a painting of Queen Elizabeth II. The Supreme Council Hall has a cycle of twelve frescoes by Mattia Perez d’Aleccio depicting the Great Siege of 1565. The Ambassador’s Hall and main corridors are lined with portraits of European monarchs and Grand Masters.