Antoine de Paule, a Knight of the Order of St. John, built San Anton as a country villa. Work began around 1600 and was completed around 1625. After his election as Grand Master in 1623, it grew into a palace. The plan changed from a T-shape to a Latin cross. The article names no architect.
It is a two-story limestone building with a high square tower. British-era changes reduced the tower's height after a lightning strike in 1819. The gardens have fountains, ponds, an aviary and an orangery. Two chapels stand on the grounds, one dedicated to St. Anthony.
The government of Malta owns it. It has been the official residence of the President of Malta since December 1974. Parts of the gardens are open to the public, and it is a Grade 1 national monument.
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