Il Palazzo
The “Mansion” is located on the “High” side of Valletta, a much sought after location, on one of its principal streets. The house is one of the earliest to be built in the city when two smaller houses dating to around 1580 were joined and remodeled in 1622 in the understated Baroque style so typical of the buildings of that era in Malta. A Baroque reflecting the sobriety expected from the ruling Knights of Malta, a military chivalric order of celibate monks.
As is typical with most layouts of the time, the building revolves around a large central courtyard or patio. A door and hall large enough to take a coach and horses connects to the street. Cellars housed the stables, the ground floor kitchens and the first floor the servants’ quarters. On the second floor called the “Piano Nobile” lived the gentry. At a time when Valletta teemed with beasts of burden, knights on horseback, and when milk was delivered to your door in the form of live goats, it was deemed healthier to be as far away from the street smells as possible.
Various important Maltese families have occupied the house after the Knights of Malta were ejected summarily out of the island by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798, and for a period of years it was also the headquarters of a leading commercial company. The house was locked up for numerous years until a careful and loving restoration was commenced four years ago under the direct supervision of the present owner. The result, is a subtle mix of traditional and modern within an imposing structure albeit full of elegance and charm.
