Grandmasters Palace
Grandmaster's Palace is a palace in Valletta, Malta, formally known as The Palace. It was erected as the Grand Master of the Order of St. John's residence during the 16th and 18th centuries. It became the National Palace when the knights were expelled by Napoleonic France and became the Governor's Palace during the period of British rule that began in 1800.
The Grandmaster Palace is the city's largest palace in a district in the heart of Valletta. Its facade is located on Republic Street, directly across from the Main Guard Force in St. George's Square, and is encircled by Archbishop Street, Old Theater Street, and Business Street.
The main facade of Grandmaster's Palace was built in a simple and austere Mannerist style, characteristic of the architect, Cassar. Upon arrival, visitors may notice the asymmetrical facade on either side due to the many changes made to the building over the centuries, and because the decorative features do not match the corners of the building home.
During the rule of Grandmaster Jean de la Cassière, the Throne Room, previously known as the Great Hall, was constructed. It has been utilized to accommodate diplomats and high-ranking officials by succeeding Grandmasters. It was known as the Hall of St Michael and St George during the British administration, after the Order of St Michael and St George, which was created in 1818 in Malta and the Ionian Islands. The President of Malta now utilizes it for state duties now. In 1818, the British entirely altered this hall by putting neo-classical architectural elements created by Lieutenant-Colonel George Whitmore on the walls. In the early twentieth century, they were removed. The minstrel's gallery is assumed to have been moved here from the palace chapel, where it was most likely originally housed. The original coffered ceiling and late 18th-century-style chandeliers are particularly noteworthy. The Tapestry Hall, the State Dining Hall, the Ambassador's Room, and the Page's Waiting Room are the additional staterooms.
