Palazzo Parisio

The impressive property, situated in the charming village of Naxxar will not only make you gape at its beautiful exteriors but also gives you an insight into the history of Maltese nobility.

In fact, if you’re looking for an afternoon away from the searing heat of the beach or sunbed then this needs to go on your list. The Palazzo Parisio is an 18th century stately home which, besides being a much-cherished family home, is also open to the public. It is a treasure trove of beautiful rooms, which include a sumptuous ballroom as well as its famous walled gardens. 

Apart from being a feast for the eyes, it is also a feast for the palate with the  Caffe Luna serving the most delicious high teas. This excellent eaterie is also child-friendly, as it has a kiddie area complete with mini chairs and tables, as well as soft toys and a miniature house. So the recommended way to take this in is to have a leisurely stroll around this stately home, followed by a cream tea in its gorgeous gardens - delicious scones (with real clotted cream and home-made jam) in its gorgeous gardens. The alternative is to take the tour in the morning and go to Caffe Luna for lunch, which is also excellent.

The palace has been home to the Scicluna family since the current owner’s great grandfather, Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna acquired it from the Parisio family. It has been restored and enhanced and is now an excellent heritage attraction.

Highlights include the Scicluna Carriage constructed in the 19th century in England for the Marquis, the Sala Lombarda – a fine representation of a typical Maltese noble’s drawing room for the 19th century. The dining room draws its influences from Pompei and includes paintings by Venuti while the opulent ballroom is arguably the star of the show.

But back to the other star of the show here - the food. The café is open indoors in winter – incorporating plush sofas and surrounded by grandeur – while in summer, you have the option to feast among landscaped gardens and fountains. Continental or English breakfast is served from 9am until 11am, while traditional English Afternoon Tea – with the famous scones, finger sandwiches home-made cakes – are served from 3pm until 6pm. 

Palazzo Parisio also boasts of a renowned fine-dining restaurant called Luna Di Sera. It was voted Top Overall Fine Dining Restaurant in 2010 and awarded Best Ambience in 2011 by the Definitively Good Guide to Restaurants in Malta and Gozo. Its opening hours are from Wednesday to Saturday from 7.30pm until 11.45pm.

Palazzo Parisio is open to the public all year round and often attracts top celebrities through its doors including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Jones, Ronan Keating and William Hurt.

The palace faces the grand parish church, and is easily reachable by car. On the bus you need numbers 21, 23, 31 or 43, which all travel to Naxxar. Free, short-term parking is available near the church, with longer-term parking available just a short distance away.