Main Guard

The Main Guard is a military building located at St. George's Square in Valletta, positioned directly across from the Grandmaster's Palace. The structure features a Neoclassical facade with a columned portico displaying the British coat of arms and commemorative Latin inscriptions.

The building was constructed in 1603 as a guardhouse for the Order of St. John's elite soldiers. A Neoclassical columned portico was added during British rule in 1814, transforming the appearance of the original structure.

The Officers' Mess walls hold more than 300 paintings created by British soldiers between 1814 and 1972, recording their personal experiences and daily life. These artworks give insight into the thoughts and feelings of those who served here.

Visits require advance appointments since conservation and restoration work is ongoing at the site. Heritage Malta manages the building and can provide details about availability and visiting conditions.

British soldiers assigned to guard duty at the building painted personal images and military badges on the walls from 1814 to 1972. This informal gallery offers a rare window into the minds of the men stationed here across nearly two centuries.

Location: Valletta

Inception: 1603

Architects: Giorgio Pullicino

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

GPS coordinates: 35.89928,14.51344

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:56