Xara Palace | Mdina

Information

Landmark: Xara Palace
City: Mdina
Country: Malta
Continent: Europe

Xara Palace, Mdina, Malta, Europe

The Xara Palace is a 17th-century palazzo converted into a luxury hotel. It is situated within the fortified walls of Mdina, Malta.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is primarily constructed from local globigerina limestone, exhibiting a pale honey-colored hue. It features a Baroque architectural style, incorporating elements from its medieval foundations. The building rises multiple stories, blending with the adjacent city walls. Notable features include ornate doorways, wrought-iron balconies, and an internal courtyard.

Location & Access Logistics

The Xara Palace is located inside the pedestrianized city of Mdina. Access to Mdina is primarily through the main gate, Mdina Gate. Private vehicles are generally restricted within the city walls; parking is available outside the walls at designated areas such as Pjazza San Publiju, approximately 0.2km from the main gate. Public transport options include bus routes 51, 52, and 53 from Valletta, which terminate at the Mdina Gate bus stop.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Xara Palace dates to the late 17th century, around the 1690s. It was originally built as a private residence for the noble Moscati Parisio family. The design is attributed to the period of Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful. The building incorporates sections of the original medieval city fortifications into its structure.

Key Highlights & Activities

The hotel houses the Michelin-starred restaurant De Mondion, offering fine dining. Guests can access luxury accommodation suites. Panoramic views of the Maltese landscape are available from the upper floors and the restaurant terrace. Direct access to the historic streets of Mdina is provided from the hotel's entrance.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restroom facilities are available for hotel guests and restaurant patrons. Shaded areas are present within the internal courtyards and designated dining spaces. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available throughout the property and surrounding city. Multiple food vendors and cafes are located within a 0.2km radius inside Mdina.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, late afternoon provides optimal golden hour lighting on the limestone facades. The months of April to May and September to October offer mild weather conditions. Visiting during early morning or late evening hours helps avoid peak tourist congestion within Mdina.

Facts & Legends

The Xara Palace is one of the few noble palaces within Mdina that remains privately owned and operated. The building's foundations integrate sections of the original medieval city walls, some dating back to the Arab period. The restaurant terrace offers views extending over a significant portion of the island of Malta.