The New Parliament
This point of interest is available as audio on the tour: Visit Valletta, Step Into the World of the Knights of St. John
Honoring Valletta’s classic ochre tones, yet displaying bold, modern lines, the New Parliament building brings a youthful energy to the city. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, winner of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1998, the building is made up of more than 7,000 limestone blocks, forming two distinct edifices connected by a raised walkway.
The mirrored panels scattered across the façade aren’t just for show, they’re part of a carefully designed system. Along with the roof’s solar panels, they regulate the building’s energy consumption, which aims for zero CO2 emissions.
However, this green innovation came at a hefty price: the project’s total cost reached 90 million euros. An eye-watering figure that sparked controversy, before, during, and even after its inauguration in May 2015.
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