The National Library (1796) — the last great building of the Order of Malta, housing the 1530 deed granting Malta to the Knights. Free entry, one of Valletta's most underrated treasures.
The National Library of Malta in Valletta is the last great building erected by the Order before its fall. Designed by Sicilian architect Stefano Ittar, it was completed in 1796 — just two years before Napoleon expelled the knights from Malta. It is a symbolic ending: the final act of the mighty military order was to build a house not for soldiers, but for books.
The library houses priceless collections, including the deed granting Malta to the Knights by Emperor Charles V in 1530 — the document that launched the entire Maltese Team of the Order. The collections also include manuscripts dating back to the 12th century, nautical charts, langue account books, and Grand Masters' correspondence. The main hall, with wooden shelves from floor to ceiling and a carved ceiling, impresses even those with no interest in history.
Unlike many historic libraries in Europe, Malta's National Library is open to visitors free of charge. You can walk in, admire the main hall, and view thematic exhibitions. It is one of Valletta's most underrated treasures — tourists walk past on their way to the Co-Cathedral, unaware of what they are missing.
Practical tip: Free entry. The main hall with its beautiful ceiling and original shelving is on the first floor. The library stands on Republic Square — entrance opposite Caffe Cordina.
Free entry. Main hall has a beautiful ceiling.
You haven't created an explorer profile yet
MUZA is a historic stop from the Malta Wakacje plan, added to Maltazar with GPS coordinates and practical route context.
National Museum of Archaeology is a historic stop from the Malta Wakacje plan, added to Maltazar with GPS coordinates and practical route context.
St. John's Co-Cathedral is a Baroque masterpiece where each of 8 chapels belonged to a different "tongue" of the Order. 374 knight tombstones on the floor. Two Caravaggio paintings including "The Beheading of St. John" — his only signed work.