- Address: Buskett Gardens, Siġġiewi, Malta
- Architectural style: Renaissance
- Date of construction: 1581-1586
- Architect: Girolamo Cassar
In the south-western part of the island of Malta in the town of Dinzli is the palace of Verdal, named after the great master of the Order of Malta, Hugo Luben de Verdal. It is buried in the greenery of Busquette Gardens, which are the natural forest of the region. The palace of Verdal is closed to the public, the only exception is the annual Ball of the August moon, when anyone can visit the fortress.
History of the castle
Construction of the palace began in 1582 by order of the Grand Master and was completed four years later. The architectural project was created by Girolamo Cassar and assumed the location of the sights in one of the parts of the Buskett Forest, which the knights used as a hunting ground.
Centuries later, Malta was first ruled by the French, and then by the English, the latter organized a prison in the building, which contained prisoners of war from France. Later, the British placed in the palace a factory engaged in the production of silk, which lasted for a short time and was destroyed. The palace of Verdal himself came to desolation, the walls began to collapse, the situation was plundered. In the middle of the XIX century, restoration work began, which culminated in 1858 with the opening of the summer residence of British governors.
During the Second World War, the premises of the palace served as a repository for works of art brought from different parts of the island. In 1982 the palace of Verdal was again reconstructed and used by the municipal authorities as a hotel in which visitors were accommodated. In 1987, the building was decided to modernize, since it serves as the official summer residence of the president of the state and it is impossible to enter the palace for ordinary citizens.
Architecture and interior decoration
The palace of Verdal can not be called a skilful structure, since it is very simple. In shape, the building resembles a square, on the corners of which tower towers are built, designed to defend the fortress, but in fact it has no strategic significance. The towers are divided into tiny halls, one of which retains a room of torture during the time of the Maltese knights. Verdala was designed in such a way that throughout the day the sunlight penetrates into its halls.
The roof of the building looks like a viewing platform, which opens panoramic views of the island and the sea. The perimeter is surrounded by a dry moat. At the main entrance there is a bust of the Grand Master de Verdal, made of marble. Going inside, we find ourselves in the foyer, from which you can go to the hall that served as the dining room. The ceiling of the room is painted with frescoes that appeared here, probably at the end of the 16th century. To the left and to the right of the dining room there are square rooms, in one of them there is a staircase leading to the second floor, which was built later and contains elements of the Baroque style: balconies, rails, columns. The floor of another room is decorated with chessboards, engraved by French prisoners of war.
How to get there?
The nearest bus stop is located five minutes walk from the palace. She is visited by routes 56, 181, which will help you get to the goal. If you do not wish to languish in public transport , use the services of a taxi.
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