Heritage Malta has just announced the exciting restoration of the Grand Master’s Carriage, usually displayed at the Palace Armoury in St George’s Square, Valletta, in collaboration with the Eden Leisure Foundation.

This horse-drawn carriage, introduced to Malta during the time of the Knights, holds great historical significance, having played a central role in many important events. As the most prestigious of all carriages, it was reserved for the Grand Master, transporting him during key moments in Maltese history.

One notable example occurred on 10th September 1797, when Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch visited Zabbar for the feast of Our Lady of Grace. Upon reaching the village, locals removed the horses and, to much celebration, drew the carriage themselves to the parish church.

The carriage also played a key role in shaping Malta’s carnival traditions. In 1730, the Grand Master’s carriage led a parade through Valletta, which became the first-ever float procession - a tradition that continues to this day. The public decorated the floats that followed the regal carriage, marking the joyful beginning of the carnival season before a time of abstinence.

Interestingly, when Valletta’s streets were first paved with soft stone, only the Grand Master’s carriage was permitted in the city, as the steel-rimmed wheels of vehicles would damage the newly laid roads.

Have you ever seen the Grand Master’s Carriage?