Information
Landmark: Xara PalaceCity: Mdina
Country: Malta
Continent: Europe
Xara Palace, Mdina, Malta, Europe
Overview
In the heart of Mdina, Malta’s ancient capital, the Xara Palace blends the charm of a boutique hotel with the treasures of a historic museum, its stone walls steeped in centuries of stories.It sits in a 15th-century building that once served as a noble’s home, where carved stone arches still frame the doorway.In Mdina, the palace stands out as a grand landmark, admired for its elegant Baroque curves, centuries of history, and sweeping views that stretch to the island’s edge.The Xara Palace takes its name from the Xara family, a powerful noble house in medieval Malta whose influence once echoed through stone halls and narrow, sunlit streets.Over the years, the palace has passed from one owner to another, its walls repainted, halls refitted, and gardens reshaped more times than anyone can easily count.The Xara Palace began as a home for Maltese nobility, especially during the rule of the Knights of St. John, and over the centuries it sheltered a succession of noble families.Today, its Baroque design still shines-ornate stone carvings catch the light, tall windows open to the breeze, and every detail echoes the grandeur of its time.The palace perfectly showcases how Maltese Baroque weaves together the island’s Medieval and Renaissance styles.Its exterior rises in heavy, weathered stone, the warm gold of local limestone catching the afternoon light.The courtyard bursts with color from neatly trimmed hedges, while weathered statues and the gentle splash of fountains lend a timeless elegance to the building.The main entrance boasts a tall, arched doorway framed by carved columns, leading straight into the palace.Inside, vast rooms unfold, their walls alive with frescoes, while antique chairs and timeworn relics rest in the soft light.Inside, the design echoes the grandeur of noble families who once lived here, with gilded moldings catching the light.Many rooms still showcase their original charm, from high vaulted ceilings and glittering chandeliers to richly detailed décor.As a key piece of Mdina’s heritage, the Xara Palace welcomes guests to cultural events, art shows, and exhibitions.The palace now serves as both a luxury hotel and a treasured landmark, with sunlit halls and ornate rooms open as a museum that tells Mdina’s story and honors the noble families who once called it home.The museum showcases Maltese traditions and artifacts-like weathered knight’s armor-that tell the story of the island’s rich heritage of defense, culture, and nobility.Today, the Xara Palace runs as a luxury boutique hotel, offering elegant rooms steeped in historic charm.Guests can book rooms that blend sleek modern comforts with timeless touches-like carved wood headboards-that echo the grandeur of a bygone era.From the hotel’s windows, you can see Mdina’s golden stone walls glowing in the sun, with rolling hills stretching beyond-no wonder travelers flock here for a taste of Malta’s history and charm.The Xara Palace also boasts a celebrated restaurant, where guests linger over fine dining and gourmet dishes.Guests can savor their meal in an elegant dining room, or step onto the terrace where the breeze carries the scent of wildflowers and the countryside stretches out in all directions.The menu showcases Maltese and Mediterranean favorites made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, like ripe tomatoes still warm from the sun.Beyond serving as a boutique hotel and museum, Xara Palace also hosts weddings, lively events, and professional conferences.With its centuries-old stone walls and prime spot in the heart of Mdina, the hotel draws guests looking for an unforgettable backdrop to weddings, parties, or corporate gatherings, and its setting in the city’s quiet, car-free streets adds to the appeal.You’ll find it on Mdina’s northwest side, where rolling fields stretch to the horizon and the coastline glimmers in the distance.Mdina, with its golden limestone walls and centuries-old gates, is one of Malta’s most historic and striking cities, and guests at Xara Palace can wander its twisting lanes, pass weathered stone facades, and trace the line of the old ramparts.If you’re staying in or near Mdina, getting to the palace is simple, but drivers must leave their cars outside the gates and walk in.Xara Palace stands among Malta’s most luxurious and storied landmarks.Whether you step inside for a museum visit, stay the night, or attend a concert under its high stone arches, it reveals Mdina’s noble past while wrapping guests in modern comfort.With its Baroque curves, polished marble halls, and sweeping views over the honey-colored rooftops, the building draws every visitor in Mdina.With its mix of history, luxury, and cultural charm, Xara Palace draws travelers eager to step inside Malta’s storied past, where sun-warmed stone walls whisper centuries-old tales.
