Palazzo Parisio & Gardens🏰 castle
Palazzo Parisio & Gardens in Naxxar, built in 1900, now a museum and café.
🌐 palazzoparisio.com🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-18:00
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Naxxar
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ℹ️Practical info — Naxxar
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Palazzo Parisio is a must-see, with its opulent interiors known as a miniature Versailles; allow about 1-2 hours for the visit.
- The parish church square is a great spot in the early evening to sit and watch the bustle of local village life.
- Wander the narrow, winding streets directly behind the church to see some of the best-preserved traditional architecture.
- Parking in the village core is tough; your best bet is to use parking spots on the peripheral roads and walk the final few minutes.
🍽 Food
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Elegant Afternoon Tea
Treat yourself to pastries and tea in the sumptuous surroundings of cafes inside the historic palazzos.
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Rabbit Stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek)
Enjoy Malta's national dish in the authentic, family-run restaurants tucked in the narrow core streets.
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Artisan Gelato
Grab a high-quality Italian ice cream from one of the parlours near the main square.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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Village core boutiques
Explore small, independent shops selling interior design items, local gifts, and designer clothing.
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Local bakeries
Pick up fresh bread and traditional Qagħaq tal-Għasel (honey rings) at the family bakers in the centre.
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Trade Fair grounds area
For larger retail stores and brand outlets, head to the modern commercial district on the edge of Naxxar.
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Palazzo Parisio Gardens
Escape the heat in these immaculate, walled classical gardens (entry fee applies, but well worth it).
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San Pawl tat-Tarġa
Head to this cliffside villa neighbourhood for a peaceful walk with wonderful views over the northern coast.
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Cart Ruts
Explore the countryside just outside the town to find these mysterious prehistoric tracks carved into the stone.
Water temperature…
Naxxar is a historic hilltop town in central Malta, boasting a settlement history that stretches back to prehistoric times. The town's name is often associated with Saint Paul; legend has it that the people of Naxxar were the first to assist the Apostle after his shipwreck. The most impressive architectural jewel is Palazzo Parisio, an 18th-century palace often called 'Miniature Versailles' due to its opulent interiors and magnificent Italianate gardens. The Parish Church of Our Lady of Victories is a significant Baroque structure and serves as the town's cultural focal point. Around Naxxar, numerous prehistoric cart ruts and Punic tombs can be found, evidence of long-standing human presence. The town is strategically located along a geological fault line, the Great Fault, over which the famous Victoria Lines are built. Today, Naxxar is an affluent community offering a blend of historic charm and modern residential quality. The view from Naxxar Hill extends across much of the northern part of the island to the sea.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Palazzo Parisio & Gardens · Tal-Ghaqba Windmill · Torri tal-Kaptan
- Nearby: Msida (4 km)
- Population: ~14.890
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 65 | 51 | 33 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 82 | 95 | 82 |
Geography
Facts
- Palazzo Parisio was grandly redesigned by Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna.
- Naxxar is situated along the Great Fault, a major geological fracture.
- According to legend, the first Maltese people were converted to Christianity here.
- The town sits near significant prehistoric cart ruts at Misraħ Għar il-Kbir.
- The Parish Church of Our Lady of Victories houses a rich collection of sacred art.
- Naxxar was historically the long-time home of the Malta International Trade Fair.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Naxxar (4)
Frequently asked questions
What is Palazzo Parisio?
A magnificent 19th-century palace known as 'miniature Versailles' with beautiful gardens.
Are there prehistoric finds?
Yes, the Cart Ruts in Naxxar are a mysterious ancient phenomenon.
When is the Naxxar feast?
The feast of Our Lady of Victory is celebrated on September 8th.
What are the Victoria Lines near Naxxar?
Part of the British defense line offering great views from the high ground.
Are there good restaurants?
Naxxar has a growing culinary scene with upscale restaurants and cozy bistros.
Naxxar: where is it located?
Naxxar is located in Malta.
Naxxar: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palazzo Parisio & Gardens, Tal-Ghaqba Windmill, Torri tal-Kaptan.
Naxxar: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Naxxar: why is it worth visiting?
Naxxar is a historic hilltop town in central Malta, boasting a settlement history that stretches back to prehistoric times.
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Nature
Ta' Ċinċ Hill
A hill near Birkirkara that functions as part of the interior topography.
Ta' l-Agħara Hill
A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.
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Mistra Bay
A sheltered bay near St.
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Mtaħleb Valley
A fertile valley that slopes down to the sea, home to one of Malta's few streams.
Bahrija Plateau
A rural plateau with beautiful views and walking trails.
More places
Palazzo Parisio
A grand aristocratic palace with beautiful landscaped gardens.
San Anton Palace
The official residence of the President of Malta.
Madliena Bridge
A historic bridge forming part of the Victoria Lines.
Salina Nature Park
Restored salt pans that now serve as a wetland habitat for birds.
San Ġwann Cart Ruts
Prehistoric mysterious tracks carved into the limestone.
San Giljan Waterpolo Club
A waterpolo club with a seawater pool and mooring facilities.
Farsons Brewery
Malta's largest beverage producer, the maker of Cisk lager and Kinnie.
Bugibba Water Park
A smaller, free water park on the Bugibba promenade, ideal for younger children.