Saint Sofia Palace, Mdina

Saint Sofia Palace is a historic and architecturally significant palace. The palace's ground floor was constructed in 1233, a date that is proudly inscribed on one of the window moldings. The upper floor, in contrast, is a more recent addition and was built in the 20th century, sometime after 1938. Throughout its existence, the palace has played various roles, being periodically rented and used as a school by Roman Catholic nuns.

In recent times, Saint Sofia Palace has been privately owned and is managed by the Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, a local heritage foundation. Although it is not open to the general public, the palace can be hired for special events such as dinner or cocktail parties, lectures, and other gatherings. The palace has been designated as a Grade 1 national monument and is listed in the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.

The original design of Palazzo Santa Sofia featured a single-story structure built around a central courtyard. The main entrance to the palace was through an arched passageway called a siqifah, which led to the courtyard. Over time, this passageway was transformed into the narrow street known as Saint Sofia Street. The ground floor's facade is relatively simple, adorned with two doors flanking the passageway. A two-tiered palline losanghe cornice serves as a distinctive feature, separating the ground floor from the first floor.

The upper floor, added in more recent times, boasts four ornate mullioned windows, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the palace's exterior. At the roof level, a one-tiered palline losanghe cornice further enhances its visual appeal. Both floors of the facade proudly display several coats of arms, adding a sense of heraldic charm and historical significance to the building.