San Anton Palace

San Anton Palace is a presidential residence in Attard, Malta, built as a two-story building with a square tower and two chapels. The complex spreads across formal gardens with ornamental ponds, fountains, and maintained pathways surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.

Construction finished in 1625 as a summer residence for Knight Antoine de Paule, who later became Grand Master of the Order of Malta. After the Order, French officials, British governors, and eventually Maltese presidents used the building as their official seat.

The Paule family left its mark on the town name Attard, which was once known as Casale Attard. Visitors today can walk through the public gardens and discover baroque statues, exotic plants, and shaded avenues that have been maintained for centuries.

The surrounding park opens daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter with free admission for all visitors. Paths are mostly level and accessible for wheelchairs, with shaded benches offering resting spots along the main avenues.

The Kitchen Gardens include a small farm with chickens, goats, and ducks that roam freely among the vegetable beds. Children can watch the animals and play in a fenced playground with swings and climbing frames.