National Library of Malta
Valletta, Malta
Duration
30–45 minutes
Entry
Free
Hours
Mon–Fri, Saturday morning — check the official website for current times
Cruise
Day Trip ✓
A late 18th-century neoclassical library housing the archives of the Order of St John, with a grand colonnaded facade on Republic Square.
Local Tip
The grand reading room with its wooden galleries is the highlight — ask if you can look inside even if you're not a registered reader.
The National Library of Malta (Bibliotheca) is a late 18th-century neoclassical building on Republic Square in the heart of Valletta, completed in 1796 to house the library of the Order of St John. The building's grand colonnaded facade is one of the most distinctive in Valletta, and the interior reading room, with its two tiers of wooden galleries, is one of the finest historic library interiors in the Mediterranean.
The library holds the archives of the Order of St John, including the original charters, manuscripts and records of the Knights' centuries of rule in Malta. It also serves as Malta's national library and legal deposit library. Entry is free, and visitors can view the grand reading room and, by arrangement, consult the historic collections.
⭐ Highlights
- ✓Late 18th-century neoclassical building on Republic Square
- ✓Grand colonnaded facade — one of Valletta's most distinctive
- ✓Houses the archives of the Order of St John
- ✓Two-tiered wooden gallery reading room
- ✓Free entry — one of the finest historic library interiors in the Mediterranean
How to Get There
The National Library is on Republic Square in the centre of Valletta, a 5-minute walk from the City Gate bus terminus. It faces the statue of Queen Victoria.
Open in Google MapsBest Time to Visit
Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience. The reading room is most atmospheric in the morning light. Check opening times before visiting — hours can be limited.
Visitor Tips
- 💡Entry is free — visitors can view the reading room
- 💡Check opening times — hours can be limited
- 💡Ask staff if you can view the reading room galleries
- 💡Combine with the nearby Grandmaster's Palace and St. John's Co-Cathedral
📍 Nearby Attractions
- Grandmaster's Palace
- St. John's Co-Cathedral
- MUŻA - National Museum of Art
- Valletta
- Triton Fountain
National Library of Malta — Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry to National Library of Malta free?
Entry to National Library of Malta costs Free.
How long should I spend at National Library of Malta?
We recommend spending around 30–45 minutes at National Library of Malta to see the highlights.
What are the opening hours of National Library of Malta?
National Library of Malta is open: Mon–Fri, Saturday morning — check the official website for current times.
Where is National Library of Malta in Malta?
National Library of Malta is located in Valletta, Malta.
Is National Library of Malta suitable for cruise day visitors?
Yes, National Library of Malta is cruise-friendly and easily accessible from Valletta's cruise terminal during a day visit to Malta.
What's the best tip for visiting National Library of Malta?
The grand reading room with its wooden galleries is the highlight — ask if you can look inside even if you're not a registered reader.
