NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY
This magnificent palace was designed in 1574 by Gerolamo Cassar. Its façade was rebuilt in the 17th century. Despite the modifications, the walls overlooking Melita Street are intact. The luxurious decoration contrasts with the austere life of the knights. The Great Hall already bears witness to this, with its walls full of paintings and gilding and its carved wooden ceiling. This type of ceiling is rare in Malta, but a similar one can be seen in the palace of the great masters. The Auberge de Provence was home to the Knights of the Provençal language and their leader was traditionally "Grand Commander" and Treasurer of the Order. Between 1824 and 1954, this inn became the seat of the British Officers' Circle. The archaeological collection is on the ground floor. Upstairs, in a superb room with an elaborate ceiling, temporary exhibitions are held. The National Museum of Archaeology holds an exceptional collection of prehistoric objects from the Neolithic period to the Phoenician period (from 5000 to 400 BC). Incredible remains found on the sites of the 25 temples of the island (tools, ceramics, statues). The most beautiful pieces are preserved here, such as the incredible Sleeping Woman from the famous Hypogeum (the necropolis at Paola), or the Venus of Malta discovered at Hagar Qim. But also bronze tools found in Tarxian, a pendant of Horus and Anubis and a sarcophagus dating from the Phoenicians.
Prévoir une heure au moins pour apprécier toutes les collections. Certaines pièces sont d'un design stupéfiant de modernité. Immanquable.