Grandmaster's Palace
The Grandmaster's Palace (officially referred to as The Palace[1]) is located in Valletta. It currently houses the Office of the President of Malta and the House of Representatives, as well as being a heritage site run by Heritage Malta.
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[edit] History
The Palace was one of the first buildings in Valletta, erected in 1571. The original building was the house of Eustachio del Monte, a nephew of Grandmaster Jean de la Vallette, founder of the city. This house was purchased and Girolamo Cassar was commissioned to design a palace.
Over the years, the Palace was enlarged and developed by successive Grandmasters to serve as their official residence. In the 18th-century, traveller Patrick Brydone noted that:
the Grand Master (who studies conveniency more than magnificence) is more comfortably and commodiously, lodged than any prince in Europe, the King of Sardenia perhaps only excepted.[2]
During the British period it served as the Governor's Palace. The Council of Government and the Malta Legislative Assembly (precursors to the present day House of Representatives) met here and it also was the first place to serve as the office of the Prime Minister.
[edit] Structure
The palace is built around two courtyards, one of which is dominated by a statue of Neptune. There are two entrances in the front and one entrance from Piazza Regina just west of the National Library. The entrance to the state rooms is in the Neptune Courtyard via a spiral staircase. The ceiling of this entrance was painted by Nicolau Nasoni in 1724.
The Armoury, housing one of the finest collections of weapons of the period of the Knights of Malta, runs the width of the back of the palace. Spears, swords, shields, heavy armour and other weapons, including Dragut's sword, are on display.
[edit] The Throne Room
The Throne Room, originally known as the Supreme Council Hall (Sala del Maggior Consiglio) was built during the reign of Grandmaster La Cassiere. It was used by successive Grandmasters to host ambassadors and visiting high ranking dignitaries. During the British administration it became known as the Hall of St Michael and St George after the Order of St Michael and St George which has just been founded Malta and the Ionian Islands. It is currently used for state functions held by the President of Malta.
The cycle of wall paintings decorating the upper part of the hall are the work Matteo Perez d’Aleccio and represent salient episodes of the Great Siege of Malta. The coat-of-arms of Grandmaster Jean de la Vallette on the wall recess behind the minstrels gallery was painted by Giuseppe Cali.
In 1818, the British transformed this hall by completely covering the walls with neo-classical architectural features designed by Lieutenant-Colonel George Whitmore. These were removed in the early 20th century. The minstrel's gallery is thought to have been relocated to this hall from the palace chapel which was probably its original location. Of particular interest is the original coffered ceiling and the late 18th century-style chandeliers.
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