The Carmelite Priory is the only priory in Malta to be open to the public. It is still a functioning Church and Priory as the Carmelite friars live on the second floor and mass is celebrated early every morning. The first floor of the priory is open as an Institute of Theology where students from the University of Malta attend MA courses in Spirituality.
The Carmelite Priory Museum was opened to the public in November 2008, following an extensive restoration project which took place on both the building as well as the artifacts found in the museum. The Priory also contains a Café where one can indulge in exquisite dishes or even have a light snack. Close to the café is the gift shop in which a variety of souvenirs and typical Maltese products can be found.
The Carmelite Priory Museum is a cultural center which promotes artistic activities of various kinds. Concerts are held every Saturday at noon, and visitors can attend these concerts by purchasing the normal entrance fee. Diverse exhibitions are held on a regular basis and art courses take place every Tuesday at 10.30 a.m. in the cloister of the priory. The courtyard is open to the general public free of charge and we encourage people to sit down and read or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the priory.
Informative guided tours of the Carmelite Priory Museum are given every day at 11.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. This tour can also form part of one of the many packages offered at the Carmelite Priory Museum. These packages include breakfast and lunch time packages which provide a guided tour of the museum together with a meal or snack at the Old Priory Café. The Carmelite Priory Museum also offers the possibility of holding evening functions including dinners or conferences which are usually held in the typically Baroque Refectory.
Kindly note that for the next two weeks there will be no guided tours on certain days. Please enquire at front desk.