Auberge de Castille, Valletta

Historic Building in Valletta

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Matthew Axiak

The Auberge de Castille stands proudly at the highest point of Valletta, overlooking Castille Square and the Grand Harbour beyond — a commanding position that reflects its original purpose as the residence of the most senior knights of the Order of St. John. Constructed in the 1570s, it housed the Langue of Castille, León, and Portugal, some of the most powerful members of the Order. The building was designed by the Knights' chief architect, Girolamo Cassar, whose disciplined Mannerist style shaped much of Valletta's early architecture. Although Cassar's original design was austere, it laid the foundation for what would later become one of the most magnificent buildings in Malta.

In the 1740s, the Auberge underwent a major transformation under the direction of Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca, who commissioned the Maltese architect Andrea Belli to redesign it in the High Baroque style. Belli's work gave the building its dramatic façade, rich ornamentation, and monumental symmetry — a striking contrast to Cassar's earlier restraint. The new design, completed around 1744, turned the auberge into a symbol of power and prestige, with elaborate balconies, sculpted coats of arms, and finely detailed stonework. The grand entrance, framed by Corinthian columns and flanked by imposing pilasters, exudes a sense of dignity worthy of the knights who once gathered within its walls.

Throughout its history, the Auberge de Castille has been a seat of authority. During the British period, it served as the headquarters for the British Armed Forces in Malta, and later as the office of the Prime Minister — a role it continues to hold today. Its interior, meticulously restored, features vaulted ceilings, baroque staircases, and intricate tilework that evoke centuries of governance and grandeur. From the Order's chivalric councils to modern cabinet meetings, the building has continuously functioned as the heart of Maltese leadership.

Beyond its political significance, the Auberge remains one of Valletta's most admired architectural landmarks. Standing in Castille Square, visitors are treated to sweeping views over Floriana, the Harbour, and the surrounding bastions — vistas that once inspired both knights and generals. When illuminated at night, the auberge's golden limestone glows against the Maltese sky, its ornate façade serving as a reminder of Valletta's dual legacy: a city built by warriors and perfected by artists. The Auberge de Castille is not just a building; it is the embodiment of Malta's continuity — from the age of the Knights to the modern nation it helped shape.

The Auberge de Castille, Valletta appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

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