Between Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October, the stunning Verdala Palace will be opening its door for all to visit.

The grand Verdala palace is a mystery to many locals and tourists alike as it is rarely ever opened to the public. This is because it’s used as the private summer residence of the President of Malta.

The opening of the palace will be part of the ‘Festa Palazz’ event being organised that weekend and will be open from 1pm onwards on Saturday and 10am onwards on Sunday.

And it’s all for a good cause too! Organised by The Community Chestfund, the money collected that weekend will go directly to aid their cause.

“You’ll have fun and at the same time you’ll help the Malta Community Chesfund”, the organisation wrote on their Facebook.

So what’s the story behind this spectacular palace?

Verdala Palace dates as far back as the 1550s and 1560s when it was used as a hunting lodge at Buskett in Siggiewi for Grand Master La Valette.

A decade later it was expanded into a palace during the reign of Grand Master de Verdalle, hence its name.

It was expanded and embellished even further during the 17th and 18th centuries until it started being used as a prison for French soldiers between 1798-1800.

Eventually, during the time of the British in Malta, it became the official summer residence for the Governors of Malta.

However, the palace has not simply housed presidents and grandmasters. It also hosted many royals including Edward VII, Alexandra of Denmark, George V, Mary of Teck and George VI.

For all those that love all things supernatural, you’re also in for a treat as the palace will be open during Halloween weekend giving you the chance to maybe spot the ghost of the Blue Lady.

The Blue Lady is said to roam the streets of the palace in despair after she jumped from the palace’s window in her blue wedding dress when she refused to marry the man she was promised.

Do you plan of visiting?

Facebook/The Malta Community Chestfund Foundation