The Grand Masters' Palace on Republic Street was the seat of power for the Knights of St John and later the British Governor. Today it houses the Maltese Parliament. The State Rooms are open to visitors and contain a series of fresco cycles depicting the history of the Knights and the Great Siege of 1565. The Armoury, in a separate wing, displays one of Europe's finest collections of medieval armour — over 5,000 pieces, including the personal armour of several Grand Masters.
The palace was begun in 1571 and expanded over the following two centuries as successive Grand Masters added wings, state apartments, and ceremonial rooms. The Neptune Courtyard and the Prince Alfred Courtyard — two interior squares — give access to the main public areas. The tapestry chamber, hung with Gobelin tapestries of exotic animals commissioned by Grand Master Perellos in the 18th century, is among the most striking rooms.