Vilhena Palace

The Vilhena Palace, located just inside the main gate of Mdina, is a magnificent example of French Baroque architecture in Malta. Commissioned by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, it was constructed between 1726 and 1728 as part of a major urban renovation of the city. The palace was designed by the French architect Charles François de Mondion and originally served as the administrative seat of the local government and the law courts. It features an impressive central courtyard and a grand facade adorned with the coat of arms of the Grand Master. Throughout its history, the building has served various purposes, including as a temporary military hospital during the British period. Today, it is the home of the National Museum of Natural History, displaying extensive exhibits on Malta's unique geology, flora, and fauna. The palace's grandeur remains a testament to the influence and architectural vision of the Order of St. John during the 18th century.

Nearby cities

Mdina (The Silent City)

The former capital of Malta.

Dingli

Dingli is located at Malta's highest point and is famous for its dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Mosta Dome

Church with a massive dome.

Żebbuġ, Malta

Żebbuġ, also known as Città Rohan, is one of the oldest towns in Malta, known for its grand parish church and its feasts.

Naxxar

Naxxar is a large town in central-northern Malta, known for the opulent Palazzo Parisio and its gardens.

Qormi (Città Pinto)

Qormi is known as the 'bread city' of Malta, with a long history of baking that is still alive in its many bakeries today.

Mqabba

Mqabba is renowned for its stone quarries, which extract the high-quality globigerina limestone, and for its paleo-Christian catacombs.

Mellieħa

Mellieħa is a large northern village, renowned for Malta's largest sandy beach, Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay).

Żurrieq

Żurrieq is one of the oldest towns in Malta, known for the Blue Grotto, the Xarolla Windmill, and its catacombs.

History & landmarks

Limestone Heritage

A park celebrating the history of stone masonry in Malta.

Salina Salt Pans

Historic salt pans used for sea salt production.

Malta International Airport

The only international airport in the Maltese Islands.

Nature

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Mtaħleb Valley

A fertile valley that slopes down to the sea, home to one of Malta's few streams.

Victoria Lines Fault

A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.

Bahrija Plateau

A rural plateau with beautiful views and walking trails.

Ta' l-Agħara Hill

A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

A beautiful sandy beach surrounded by clay slopes and cliffs.

Għar Lapsi Cove

A small rocky inlet popular with divers and snorkelers.

More places

St. Paul's Cathedral

The cathedral of the Archdiocese of Malta, located in Mdina.

Buskett Gardens

One of Malta's few woodland areas, home to many bird species and insects.

Meridiana Wine Estate

A modern winery in Ta' Qali known for its quality wines made from international grape varieties.

Olive Oil Tasting Malta

Several farms offer tasting sessions of their locally produced olive oil.

Lija Parish Church

A baroque church famous for its spectacular fireworks displays.

Vincent's Eco Farm

One of the largest organic farms in Malta, growing a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Sammy's Strawberry Farm

A well-known farm in Mgarr where visitors can pick their own strawberries.

Il-Bidnija Ridge

A wooded and agricultural ridge in the north of Malta.