Palazzo Vilhena, French Baroque palace in Mdina, Malta
Palazzo Vilhena is a palace building in Mdina constructed between 1726 and 1728 in French Baroque style with an imposing limestone facade. The structure features a U-shaped courtyard surrounded by covered loggias, an ornate main entrance with Corinthian columns, and a bronze relief of the Grand Master above the doorway.
Palazzo Vilhena was designed by French architect Charles François de Mondion in 1726 and completed two years later. The site had a long history with remains from ancient times, a Byzantine fortress, and a medieval castle damaged by an earthquake in 1693 before the new palace was built.
The palace was built as the residence of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena and represented the power of the Knights of Malta in the city. Visitors can see how the grand architecture and layout reflected his importance in society.
Palazzo Vilhena now functions as the National Museum of Natural History and is located in the old city of Mdina with walkable access and well-maintained forecourt areas. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the city streets are hilly and the palace courtyard spans multiple levels.
The building served as a hospital from 1837 until the 1950s, including as a cholera station and later as a tuberculosis sanatorium called Connaught Hospital. After closure it was converted to a Natural History Museum in 1973, displaying fossils and native plants and animals.
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