Palazz Vilhena — Attraction in Mdina

Vilhena Palace also known as the Magisterial Palace is a French Baroque palace in Mdina, Malta. It is named after António Manoel de Vilhena, the Grand Master who commissioned it. It was built between 1726 and 1728 to designs of the French architect Charles François de Mondion, on the site of the meeting place of the Università. The palace served as a temporary hospital during a cholera outbreak in 1837.On 12 June 1860, the palace was converted into a sanatorium by the British military, and it became known as Connaught Hospital after 1909. Since 1973, it has been open to the public as Malta's National Museum of Natural History. Vilhena Palace is a large building which is considered to be "an excellent example of French Baroque." The forecourt is approached through a gate decorated with Vilhena's coat of arms. The central façade of the palace contains the ornate main doorway, which is flanked by Corinthian columns and is surmounted by a bronze relief of De Vilhena and another...

Palazzo Vilhena, located at the entrance of Mdina, houses Malta's National Museum of Natural History. Built in the Baroque style in 1726, the palace was originally the residence of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. The building itself is a masterpiece with its elegant facade, grand courtyards, and richly decorated interiors. The museum showcases Malta’s diverse natural history, featuring exhibits on geology, paleontology, marine life, and local wildlife. Highlights include an impressive collection of fossils, taxidermy specimens, and rare minerals.

The palace offers a fascinating blend of history and nature, making it a must-visit for both history buffs and nature enthusiasts. Its location within Mdina's fortified walls adds to its charm, offering visitors a chance to explore the city's rich heritage while learning about the island's...

Not really anywhere to review the natural history museum housed in this building. The musem itself could do with a bit of touching up and felt more like a University collection than a museum. Too much general and not enough information on Malta or interactions. The birding section was good with information on native and visiting species. Reptiles and fish, very lacking and little information on what is native, etc. A wealth of items are on static display, but in very benign and sanitary displays. The experience would be much better, especially for families if more time and effort was spent on creating educational and interactive displays much like other modern natural...