Messina Palace, 16th century palace on St Christopher Street, Valletta, Malta
Messina Palace is a stone palace on St Christopher Street, distinguished by yellow-painted lower sections and black balustrades supporting its balconies. The building contains a private chapel with a marble altar, a traditional Maltese spiral staircase, and multiple halls.
The palace was owned by Fra Pietro La Rocca in the late 16th century and later became part of Casa Rocca Grande. Over time, the building housed various admirals and military commanders.
The palace displays typical Maltese architectural details with its painted balconies and distinctive green entrance door. Visitors can see rooms that are regularly used for cultural gatherings and community events.
Visitors should note that the building is actively used and only accessible at certain times. The staircases are steep and narrow, so comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring the interior.
During World War II, the noble residence was converted into a school and later used by the Education Ministry. This remarkable transformation shows how important buildings served the community during wartime.
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