Auberge de Castille
Auberge de Castille features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Valletta. Give it roughly ~20 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~20 min
- Valletta Valletta guide
About Auberge de Castille
Often called the grandest of the knights' auberges, this monumental Baroque palace crowns Valletta's high ground and now serves as the Office of the Prime Minister.
The Auberge de Castille was the auberge, or residence, of the Order of St John's langue of Castile, Leon and Portugal, one of its eight national divisions. The original building was raised in 1573-74 to a Mannerist design by Girolamo Cassar, a single storey of eleven bays. It was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style between 1741 and 1744, during the magistracy of Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca. The facade is generally attributed to Andrea Belli as designer, with Domenico Cachia as master builder, though the attribution is debated.
Built of Maltese limestone and standing on high ground at Castille Place, the auberge is often described as the grandest of the knights' auberges. From 1805 it served as the headquarters of the British armed forces in Malta. In 1972 the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta moved here from the Auberge d'Aragon, and the building remains the Office of the Prime Minister today. It forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valletta.
Did you know? The grand facade is a bit of a mystery. Its 1740s Baroque design is usually credited to Andrea Belli, with Domenico Cachia as master builder, though some sources name Cachia as the designer.
How long is a visit to Auberge de Castille?
Set aside roughly ~20 min for Auberge de Castille. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Auberge de Castille worth your time?
Auberge de Castille is among the 14 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Valletta, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Valletta
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Auberge de Castille and read more:
Day 2 of the Valletta in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Auberge de Castille
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