Palace Armoury
Armería del Palacio
Palace Armoury (Grandmasters Palace, Palace Square, Valletta) — The Palace Armoury is one of the world’s largest collections of arms and armor that is still housed in its original building. The Knights of St John were a unique brotherhood of resolute warrior monks. From Malta, their island stronghold, these combatant aristocrats from the noblest houses of Europe, carried out their relentless crusade against the Ottoman Turks in defense of the Catholic faith. The Palace Armoury is certainly one of the most visible and tangible symbols of the past glories of the Sovereign Hospitaller Military Order of Malta.
Apart from being lavishly adorned with elaborate trophies of arms, it held enough arms and armor to equip thousands of soldiers. It was housed in the magnificent hall at the rear of the building, right above its present location. At present, it is displayed inside two halls that were originally the stables of the palace. Although only a fraction of its original splendor remains, the Armoury still contains abundant material of Italian, German, French and Spanish origin from principal production centers. Also displayed is an exotic selection of Islamic and Ottoman arms and armor. Apart from the massed arms of the common soldiers in the collection, the enriched personal armors of the nobility still manage to make a statement.
Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (daily). Admission: €10 (adult), €7 (youths/12-17 years; seniors; and students), €5 (children ages 6-11), free for those under 6 years.