St. George’s Square — Attraction in Valletta

A TRIP BACK INTO HISTORY!

The Grandmaster's Palace, officially known as The Palace, was built between the 16th and 18th centuries as the palace of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, who ruled Malta, and was also known as the Magisterial Palace. It eventually became the Governor's Palace, and it currently houses the Office of the President of Malta. Parts of the building, namely the Palace State Rooms and the Palace Armory, are open to the public as a museum run by Heritage Malta.

The main façade of the Grandmaster's Palace is built in the simple and austere Mannerist style, typical of its architect Cassar. The façade is asymmetrical due to the extensive alterations carried out to the building over the centuries. There are two main entrances on the façade, and they each consist of an arched doorway surrounded by an ornate portal which supports an open balcony. Long closed timber balconies wrap around the corners of the main façade. Both the portals and the balconies were added to the building in the 18th century. The building's exterior was originally painted in red ochre, a color used by the Order to mark public buildings.

Open to the public as a museum since 1860, the Palace Armory is an arms collection housed at the Grandmaster's Palace. It was the main armory of the Order of St. John in the 17th and 18th centuries, and as such it was the last arsenal established by a crusader military order. Although today only a part of the original armory still survives, it is still one of the world's largest collections of arms and armor still housed in its original building.

The Grandmaster's Palace is built around two courtyards, one of which is dominated by a statue of Neptune. From actual suits of armor found on the battlefields of Malta when it was attacked by the Arabs or Byzantines to swords and cannons, this is definitely a trip back into...

Right in the heart of Malta’s capital city, St. George’s Square (Misraħ San Ġorġ) is a historic and cultural gem that captures the essence of Valletta’s charm. Framed by grand Baroque architecture, including the magnificent Grandmaster’s Palace, the square is both a stage for public life and a silent witness to Malta’s rich history.

By day, it’s a sun-drenched plaza filled with the gentle hum of tourists, locals, and schoolchildren on outings. The clean, open space allows the grand buildings to breathe — especially the Palace, whose arcades and stone balconies dominate the eastern edge. Beneath your feet, subtle fountains spring to life from the square’s surface, a modern and playful contrast to its ancient surroundings.

By night, the square transforms. Warm lighting casts a golden glow on the limestone façades, and the atmosphere becomes almost theatrical. It's a wonderful place to sit and soak in the rhythm of Valletta, especially with a gelato or coffee from a nearby café. During special occasions and festivals, the square becomes a lively centre of celebration — from military parades to open-air concerts.

Its location is unbeatable: a stone’s throw from Republic Street and moments from some of the city’s most important museums, churches, and eateries. Yet despite being so central, it still offers a feeling of spaciousness and calm that’s rare in capital cities.

Verdict: St. George’s Square is more than just a plaza — it’s a living, breathing part of Malta’s identity. A perfect blend of history, architecture, and community, it’s a must-visit whether you're exploring Valletta for the first time or returning for...

St. George’s Square is an important historical landmark in the heart of Valletta, surrounded by beautiful architecture and offering easy access to many of the city’s key attractions. It’s a great place to pass through during the day while exploring Valletta’s rich history.

However, our experience on New Year’s Eve was extremely stressful and even traumatic. We visited as a family with two teenagers (17 and 13), expecting a festive atmosphere, but instead, we found ourselves trapped in an overwhelming crowd. The square was completely packed with people, to the point that we felt physically crushed and unable to move freely. It was not a safe or pleasant experience, especially for families with children or anyone uncomfortable in tight, chaotic spaces.

To make things worse, this is not the right spot for watching the big fireworks. If you’re expecting a great view of the midnight display, you’ll be disappointed—most of the major fireworks happen over the Grand Harbour, which you can’t see properly from here. A much better option is to head down the street toward the harbor viewpoint, where you can actually enjoy the show.

Overall, St. George’s Square is worth seeing as part of a daytime visit to Valletta, but we strongly advise against spending New Year’s Eve here. The crowds were overwhelming, and it simply wasn’t enjoyable or safe. If you’re in Valletta for the celebrations, find a spot overlooking the Grand...