Attard
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Attard

Attard

Central Maltese town known for San Anton Palace, public gardens, and a quiet old village core

Attard is a quiet residential town in the centre of Malta, best known as the location of San Anton Palace and its gardens. The palace was built as a summer retreat in the 17th century and is now the official residence of the President of Malta. The San Anton Gardens surrounding it are open to the public and are among the most pleasant gardens on the island, with tropical plants, fountains, and aviaries.

The old village core, centred on the elegant Renaissance Parish Church of St Mary, is leafy and well-kept by Maltese standards — a marked contrast to the dense urban development of the harbour area. Together with neighbouring Balzan and Lija, Attard forms the so-called Three Villages, a contiguous patch of 17th- and 18th-century country houses including the beautiful Villa Bologna. It lies between Mdina and Valletta, making it a convenient base for exploring the island. The Corinthia Palace Hotel, one of Malta's grander establishments, is also in Attard.

Guide

Getting There

Attard is at the geographic centre of Malta, about 7 km from Valletta and 6 km from Mdina, and is on the main bus network. Buses 53 from Valletta and 56 from Sliema both stop in Attard; the ride takes 20–25 minutes.

By car, take the regional road from Valletta or the airport — both are about 15 minutes. Parking inside the old village core is tight; the larger streets near San Anton Palace are easier.

Attard makes a good base for visiting Mdina and Rabat, both a short bus or taxi ride away.

Guide

Things to Do in Attard

Attard is small and quiet, but it concentrates several of central Malta's most attractive set pieces — the presidential palace and its gardens, a clutch of Baroque churches, and a string of grand 17th- and 18th-century villas.