Casa Leoni

Casa Leoni, also known as Palazzo Manoel, is a grand palace in Santa Venera constructed in 1730 by Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena. Designed as a private summer residence, the palace stands as a premier example of late Maltese Baroque architecture. It derives its name from the four stone lions that adorn its front facade and entrance, symbolizing the status of its founder. The building holds significant historical importance, particularly for its role during the 1798 Maltese uprising against French occupation, when it served as a headquarters for the insurgents. Over time, the palace has been repurposed for various functions, including a school and a repository for museum artifacts. Architecturally, it features a balanced facade with intricate stonework and an elegant central balcony typical of the period. Today, the palace houses the Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment, and Climate Change, maintaining its status as a key administrative site.

Nearby cities

Marsa

Situated at the inner end of the Grand Harbour, Marsa is a key industrial hub, featuring a power station and a horse racing track.

St. Julian's

St.

Naxxar

Naxxar is a large town in central-northern Malta, known for the opulent Palazzo Parisio and its gardens.

Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand)

Siġġiewi is a rural town known for its vast fields, farmhouses, and proximity to Buskett Gardens and Dingli Cliffs.

Kirkop

Kirkop is a small village near the airport, known for its menhir and other minor archaeological remains.

Mosta

Mosta is famous for its Rotunda, commonly known as the Mosta Dome, which has one of the largest unsupported domes in the world.

History & landmarks

Romeo Romano Gardens

One of the largest gardens in the Santa Venera area.

Embassies district

An upscale residential area home to many foreign diplomatic missions.

Qormi Bakery Quarter

The traditional home of Maltese bread baking.

Żabbar Sanctuary Museum

A museum adjacent to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces.

Ta' Qali Crafts Village

Crafts village with glass blowing.

Xgħajra Promenade

A quiet coastal promenade.

Mtarfa Clock Tower

A prominent clock tower from the British colonial era.

Nature

Ta' Randu Hill

A hill near Siġġiewi that dominates the landscape in the southwest of Malta.

Victoria Lines Fault

A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.

Għar Lapsi Cove

A small rocky inlet popular with divers and snorkelers.

More places

Old Railway Station

A remnant of the former Malta Railway system.

Mensija Sanctuary

A unique cave-church with a rich local legend.

St. Publius Parish Church

One of the most impressive parish churches, located just outside Valletta.

Lija Parish Church

A baroque church famous for its spectacular fireworks displays.

Christ the King Basilica

One of the largest and most prominent churches on the islands.

Sliema Ferry Service

A passenger ferry service connecting Sliema to Valletta.

Luqa Parish Church

A large baroque parish church dedicated to St.

Meridiana Wine Estate

A modern winery in Ta' Qali known for its quality wines made from international grape varieties.