WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE PALAZZO PARISIO & TA’ QALI CRAFTS VILLAGE TOUR – APPROX. 4 HOURS

About this Wheelchair Accessible Palazzo Parisio & Ta’ Qali Crafts Village tour

Your English-speaking licensed guide meets you at your accommodation or the cruise port, with private adapted transport. On this wheelchair accessible Palazzo Parisio and Ta’ Qali Crafts Village tour, you see a beautiful palace and discover traditional Maltese craftsmanship. First you visit the palace, and afterwards you explore the craft village.

Palazzo Parisio

Your tour begins at Palazzo Parisio, a magnificent 19th-century palace in the heart of Naxxar. It is sometimes called Malta’s “mini Versailles”. From the outside it looks rather simple. Inside, though, it is a real jewel, so roll in and enjoy. You will find rich interiors, a grand ballroom, and beautiful gardens. The original building dates back to 1733, when Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena had it built. Later, in 1898, the Marquis Guiseppe Scicluna bought the palace and gave it the lavish look you see today. The Marquis was a banker and a well-loved figure in the local community. He had the vision and passion to turn the palace into what it is now.

Today, his great-granddaughter, Christiane Ramsay Scicluna, takes care of this beautiful building. She has restored the palace and its gardens, which have been the family home for over a hundred years.

Accessibility information: At the time of booking, we will notify the Palazzo of our visit, and they will place a ramp at the front door. Inside there is a lift that takes you to the first floor.

Ta’ Qali Crafts Village

As you leave the palace, you head to Ta’ Qali Crafts Village. The village used to be Malta’s old airport, taken over by the British RAF during the Second World War. Now it is home to Malta’s National Football Stadium and the Craft Village. The village is made up of rows of old Nissen huts, where craftspeople and shops are based. Today it is Malta’s centre for traditional arts and crafts. Here you can watch skilled artisans at work. You can also browse local products, such as filigree jewellery, ceramics, lace, and handmade souvenirs.

Mdina Glass

A highlight of your visit is Mdina Glass, where master glassblowers turn molten glass into beautiful and colourful works of art. They use techniques that have been passed down over generations. Here you can watch the demonstrations and admire the fine craftsmanship on display.

At the end of the visit your guide brings you back to the cruise port or your accommodation.