Explore 3 of Malta’s historic Baroque palaces at this November's Three Palaces Festival
This November, book yourself in for a festival of Baroque wonder: The Three Palaces Festival will take place from the 2nd till the 11th of the month, bringing the sound of guitars, trumpets, violins and a spectacular brass ensemble to its three identified locations.
The festival
The Three Palaces Festival presents a wonderful festival collection where young and old can appreciate the wonders of the event. Children will be welcomed with storytelling sessions as well as a children’s concert while the bigger, more affluent kids can share their love for music and the arts through live performances, where artists will pour out their souls for the entertainment of the masses.
This magical week-long event will take place in three of Malta’s most beautiful palaces; San Anton Palace, Verdala Palace and the Grandmaster’s Palace, making for the perfect excuse to visit these Baroque beauties!
San Anton Palace
San Anton Palace is the official residence of the President of Malta. Originally built as a country villa for Antoine de Paule in the 17th century, this ‘small’ albeit magnificent villa was transformed into the grandiose palace we know and love. The palace first served de Paule in 1623; where it was built in commemoration of his election as Grand Master. San Anton Palace was then used by the Grand Masters that followed as well as a go-to for Malta’s National Assembly, Civil Commissioner, Governors and of course, Presidents.
This gorgeous structure is surrounded by gardens where swans, peacocks, ducks and a great number of cats roam freely across the paved paths. Throughout the year, San Anton Palace is used as a location for events including Shakespeare in the Park style performances where talented actors project their voices and woo the crowds.
Verdala Palace
Buskett are Malta’s woodlands and top spot for a breath of fresh air, as well as being home to Verdala Palace, a majestic structure that was built by Grand Master Hughes Loubenx de Verdalle in 1586. It is perched in the middle of the forest, within a semi-landscaped area structured by the Knights of St John for their hunting leisure. Over the years, Verdala Palace was extended and further developed by a number of succeeding GMs. A stone quarried ditch was added to serve as a defence mechanism against attacking armies; protecting the country’s ruler at the time.
The palace was also used as a military prison during Napoleon’s time and a summer residence after the British renovated the plot. Today, it is generally used as a summer residence for the President of Malta and is full of astounding historical beauties; namely frescoes, framed works, furniture and magnificent architecture.
The Grandmaster’s Palace
The Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta is undoubtedly one of Malta’s most beautiful structures of the Baroque kind. The magestic palace was constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries, and serves as a hub for the Order of St John during their rule on the island. The State Rooms and the Palace Armoury are run by Heritage Malta and provide locals and visitors with an inside look at how the Knights lived.
The most wonderful feature of the Grandmaster’s Palace however has got to be the balcony, which provides a full view of the streets surrounding it, curving around the corners of the façade with intense impact.
These magnificently bold buildings were constructed in the time of the Knights of St John and they’ve hosted a number of dignitaries and been the venue for important functions throughout Malta’s history. This festival is intended to bring the art community together with the sounds of classic, modern and jazz music.