Palazzo Ferreria


In Malta, many architectural styles of buildings are mixed, which gives a special charm to Valletta , and to the state as a whole. One of the brightest components is Palazzo Ferrería. Its facades will delight your eye with Venetian sophistication and style. Previously, he had several other names Palazzo Buttigieg and Palazzo Francia in honor of the families who lived in it. The building is opposite the Royal Opera, not far from Freedom Square and Auberge de Castille . It should be noted that at one time it was considered one of the largest palaces in Valletta.

History of Palazzo Ferreria

In the 19th century one of the most beautiful palaces was built. His appearance is due to the twin families Giuseppe Buttigieg and Giovanna Camilleri, in the submission of the hosts there were 25 servants. Various estates lived in it until 1947, and in 1949 it was sold to the government. Initially, the place of Palazzo Ferreria was the foundry of the Order of St. John. Part of the house was rented as an apartment, which is now occupied by the Maltese Ministry. Nowadays many shops and offices are opened on the ground floor, and various events are held in the halls of the Palazzo Ferreria.

Architecture of the palace

The change of the owners of the building left its imprint on its appearance. Outside, the Palazzo Ferrería building is reminiscent of the Venetian palace, the slightly deformed shell makes it look special. According to the idea of ​​the architect, it was built in a mixed style, involved: eclectic, neo-Gothic and neoclassicism, taking into account local traditions. Accurate windows with latticed shutters traditionally green, massive doors with ornate decorations and neat wooden balconies, located in checkerboard, will not leave you indifferent. So it seems that the girl will come out on the balcony in a luxurious dress and wipe the knight after her with a handkerchief. On the facade of the building from the Republica street side, you can see the arms of the families to which it belonged.

What to see in the palace?

Here you can go shopping - inside are all kinds of shops and clothing stores. Here you can buy a popular souvenir - the Maltese door knob. It is worth noting that for the Maltese they constitute a whole cult. In the rest of the Palazzo Ferreria organize auctions, where you can buy different things from antiques to modern objects. Also in the palace you can visit art exhibitions. It often hosts cultural and religious events, as well as lectures and films. The building itself is interesting with sculptures, embodying four continents, wide staircases decorated with stucco molding, and other features of the architecture of ancient times. You can visit any part of the Palazzo Ferrería, except for the rooms belonging to the Ministry.

What to visit nearby?

In the vicinity of the palace there are many interesting places, for example, near the Palazzo Ferreria there is the Church of Saint Barbara, as well as the Church of St. Andrew, which serves not only as a local shrine, but also a place for family recreation and friendly meetings. In addition, near the palace there are facilities that are important for the tourist - banks, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets. And from it you can easily reach the pretty parks and the waterfront .

Where is the Palazzo Ferrería and how to get there?

The palace is located between the streets of Ordinans and Republic. You can reach it on foot from the central bus station in Malta , located in front of the city gates of Valletta.