A visit to Buskett Gardens, where the boundaries of Siggiewi and Rabat meet, offers a stunning view of the elegant Verdala Palace towering over the lush greenery below. However, what many visitors don’t know is that within the palace grounds lies a charming chapel dedicated to St Anthony the Abbot (or Sant' Anton Abbati in Maltese), also known as St Anthony the Great.

Located just outside the palace, the chapel was built during the tenure of Grand Master Nicolás Cotoner, between 1663 and 1680. Inside, you’ll find a painting of St Anthony by the renowned Italian artist Mattia Preti, dating back to the early years of his relocation to Malta in the 1660s - around the same time he was given the prestigious task of painting the vaults in St John's Co-Cathedral. 

Since 1987, the palace has served as the summer residence of the President of Malta, meaning the grounds are generally closed to the public. However, when the palace opens its gates, mass is held in the chapel on Saturday evenings at 6.30 PM and Sunday mornings at 7.45 AM.

Have you ever visited this hidden gem?