Auberge d’Angleterre, Birgu

Historic Building in Birgu

Auberge D Angleterre
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Continentaleurope

Hidden within the Collachio district of Birgu, Auberge d'Angleterre is one of the must-see places in Birgu for anyone tracing the earliest footsteps of the Knights of St. John. Built around 1534 and incorporating an older Maltese residence, it served as the headquarters of the English Langue, whose members came from England, Scotland, and Ireland. Though modest in scale, the auberge offers a remarkably authentic glimpse into early Hospitaller architecture in Malta, with its traditional Melitan style and beautifully preserved façade.

The building is often visited on walking tours of Birgu thanks to its superb state of preservation and its central role in the Order's story before Valletta was built. Today, the auberge houses the Vittoriosa Health Centre, but its exterior remains almost exactly as it appeared in the mid-16th century, making it one of the most atmospheric heritage stops in the Three Cities.

History and Significance of Auberge d’Angleterre

The origins of Auberge d'Angleterre lie in a single-storey house owned by Catherine Abela, a Maltese woman whose property was purchased in 1534 by the English knight Sir Clement West. He donated it to the Langue of England in 1535, and soon after, the Knights converted the house into their headquarters and added a first floor. As one of the earliest knightly residences in Birgu, it reflects the Order's formative years after their arrival in 1530.

The building once backed onto the now-lost Auberge d'Allemagne and stood next to the house of Sir Oliver Starkey, secretary to Grand Master Jean de Valette and one of the last English knights within the Order. The Langue of England, however, faced major upheaval during the English Reformation. Suppressed in the mid-16th century, it was never re-established in Valletta when the capital moved, meaning no English auberge was built in the new city. The Langue resurfaced centuries later as the Anglo-Bavarian Langue in 1782, headquartered in what later became known as Auberge de Bavière.

Throughout the British era and into modern times, the building adapted to new roles. It served as a public library, later housed a local NGO, and now operates as the Vittoriosa Health Centre. Despite these functional changes, the structure itself has survived intact. It was recognized as a Grade 1 national monument in 2009 and is listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands, underscoring its exceptional preservation and significance.

Things to See and Do in Auberge d’Angleterre

Although the interior is not open to the public due to its present use, the exterior alone makes the auberge worth a stop. Its façade is a textbook example of Melitan architecture, blending simplicity with local stylistic flourishes. The ground-level doorway, topped by a circular window and framed by elegant mouldings, is one of its standout features. Above it, a first-floor open balcony projects outward, adding a distinctly Maltese touch.

Looking closely, you'll notice that the building's two-storey structure is arranged around what would have been a central courtyard, typical of Hospitaller auberges. Its plan parallels that of the nearby Auberge de France, giving visitors a sense of how the Order organised their residential quarters before the move to Valletta. Take time to explore the surrounding streets, where the proximity of knightly buildings helps bring Birgu's medieval atmosphere to life.

How to Get There

Auberge d'Angleterre sits in the heart of Birgu and is easy to reach from Valletta via the Grand Harbour ferry, which offers a scenic and direct link to the Three Cities. Buses also connect Valletta to Birgu with stops near the Collachio. If arriving by car, parking is available along the marina and at nearby public car parks.

Practical Tips on Visiting Auberge d’Angleterre

  • Best time to visit Auberge d'Angleterre: Early morning or late afternoon when the stone façade is beautifully illuminated.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free; exterior viewing only.
  • Opening hours: Visible at any time from the outside.
  • Official website: None.
  • How long to spend: Around 10–15 minutes at the site.
  • Accessibility: Narrow streets and uneven surfaces may be challenging for some visitors.
  • Facilities: No facilities on-site; cafés and waterfront amenities are within walking distance.
  • Photography tip: Capture the façade straight-on to emphasise its symmetry and Melitan mouldings.
  • Guided tours: Many walking tours of Birgu include this auberge as part of a broader historical route.
  • Nearby food options: Birgu’s waterfront restaurants and cafés offer plenty of dining choices.

Where to Stay close to Auberge d’Angleterre

For travellers wanting to experience the charm of Birgu and the Three Cities, several excellent boutique stays are available. Consider Locanda La Gelsomina for a beautifully curated, intimate boutique experience within the historic core. In nearby Senglea, Cugó Gran Macina Malta offers luxurious accommodation inside centuries-old fortifications. For those preferring to base themselves in Valletta with quick access to the ferry, Casa Asti is a stylish and convenient option.

Is Auberge d’Angleterre Worth Visiting?

Yes. As the best-preserved Hospitaller auberge in Birgu, Auberge d'Angleterre offers a rare and authentic connection to the early years of the Knights of St. John. While the building cannot be explored internally, its façade, history, and setting within the Collachio make it a rewarding stop for travellers interested in Malta's knightly past.

FAQs for Visiting

Can I enter the auberge?
No, it operates as the Vittoriosa Health Centre, so access is limited to the exterior.

Was this the only English auberge in Malta?
Yes, because the English Langue was suppressed during the Reformation, no English auberge was built later in Valletta.

Is the building original?
Almost entirely. It retains its 16th-century structure and Melitan architectural detailing.

How long should I spend here?
About 10–15 minutes is enough to appreciate its architecture and context.

Is it close to other historic buildings?
Yes, it stands near former knightly residences and within a short walk of major Birgu attractions.

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The Auberge d’Angleterre appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Birgu!

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Visiting Auberge d’Angleterre

Address: Berġa tal-Ingilterra, Majjistral, Birgu, Malta
Birgu: 0 km

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