Auberge d’Aragon, Valletta

Historic Building in Valletta

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Pi3.124

The Auberge d'Aragon is one of Valletta's quiet architectural treasures — a building that embodies the city's earliest spirit of discipline, order, and faith. Built shortly after Valletta's founding in 1566, it housed the Langue of Aragon, Catalonia, and Navarre, among the most prestigious groups within the Order of St. John. Its design by Girolamo Cassar, the Order's chief architect, set the tone for the city's first wave of construction: symmetrical, harmonious, and understated. In contrast to the later Baroque exuberance of other auberges, the Auberge d'Aragon exudes calm strength — a reflection of the knights' chivalric ideals.

Situated near Independence Square, just a short walk from the Grand Master's Palace, this dignified building remains one of the must-see places in Valletta for lovers of history and architecture. Though now the seat of Malta's Deputy Prime Minister, the building's façade continues to tell a story of simplicity and purpose — an unbroken link to the city's 16th-century origins and one of the best-preserved examples of Cassar's work still standing today.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get There
Is the Auberge d’Aragon Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

When Valletta was founded after the Great Siege of 1565, the Order of St. John organized its members into regional divisions called langues, each of which constructed its own auberge. The Auberge d'Aragon was among the first to be completed, serving as both a residence and administrative headquarters for knights from Aragon, Catalonia, and Navarre. Cassar's design captured the disciplined ideals of the early Order: clean lines, measured proportions, and minimal ornamentation.

The building's symmetry, shallow pilasters, and balanced window placement make it a textbook example of the Mannerist style that defined early Valletta. Its façade, built from warm Maltese limestone, conveys authority without ostentation — a striking contrast to the elaborate Baroque architecture that came to dominate the city a century later. Inside, the auberge originally featured communal quarters, a chapel, and an internal courtyard that provided light, air, and a sense of community among the knights.

Over the centuries, the building adapted to Malta’s changing rulers. Following the Knights’ departure in 1798, it was used by the French and later by the British for various administrative purposes. Remarkably, it escaped significant alteration during the Baroque and British periods, making it one of the few remaining examples of Valletta’s original 16th-century architecture in near-pristine condition.

Things to See and Do

While the Auberge d’Aragon’s interior is not open to the public, its exterior alone is worth a stop. Visitors can admire the perfect symmetry and fine stonework that make it a masterclass in Cassar’s architectural style. The building’s understated façade stands as a counterpoint to the later, more ornate auberges — a perfect example of how Malta’s architecture evolved from functional simplicity to decorative splendor.

Take time to explore the surrounding area, where Independence Square and the nearby Grand Master's Palace offer an excellent context for understanding the Order's civic and religious organization. The auberge is also an ideal photographic subject, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the light brings out the honey-colored hues of its limestone. It's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Valletta, offering a quieter but equally meaningful glimpse into the city's architectural heritage.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for best light and fewer crowds
Entrance fee in Euros: Free (exterior viewing only)
Opening hours: Accessible at all times
Official website: visitmalta.com
How long to spend: 15–20 minutes
Accessibility: Easy access along Independence Square
Facilities: Cafés and public benches nearby
Photography tip: Capture the façade from across the street to emphasize its symmetry
Guided tours: Included in select Valletta heritage walking tours
Nearby food options: Caffe Cordina, Piadina Caffè, and The Pub

How to Get There

The Auberge d'Aragon is located near Independence Square, on Old Theatre Street, just a few minutes' walk from Valletta's City Gate and Republic Street. It can be easily reached on foot from most major landmarks, including St. George's Square and St. John's Co-Cathedral. Visitors arriving by bus can alight at the main Valletta terminal and follow the pedestrian route up Republic Street before turning right toward Independence Square.

Is the Auberge d’Aragon Worth Visiting?

Definitely. The Auberge d'Aragon is one of the top sights in Valletta for those who appreciate authentic, early Maltese architecture. Its historical importance, restrained elegance, and excellent preservation make it a rare window into the city's founding era. Though understated, it offers a quiet depth that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of Valletta's later Baroque masterpieces.

Nearby Attractions

St. George's Square – The ceremonial heart of Valletta, home to the Grand Master's Palace.
St. John's Co-Cathedral – A Baroque marvel and one of the top attractions in Valletta.
Grand Master's Palace – The former residence of the Knights and current presidential offices.
National Museum of Archaeology – Housed in the Auberge de Provence, another Cassar creation.
Upper Barrakka Gardens – Offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and Saluting Battery.