Auberge de Castille, Valletta
Historic Building in Valletta
The Auberge de Castille is one of Valletta's most distinguished landmarks, standing majestically at the city's highest point, overlooking Castille Square and the Grand Harbour beyond. Originally built in the 1570s for the Knights of the Langue of Castille, León, and Portugal, it is a masterpiece that tells the story of Malta's evolution from a fortified stronghold to a thriving European capital. The building's transformation over the centuries - from a modest Mannerist residence to a grand Baroque palace - mirrors the island's own journey through power, artistry, and renewal. Today, it remains one of the top attractions in Valletta, drawing visitors for its architectural splendor and commanding views.
Every angle of the Auberge de Castille radiates authority and elegance. Its ornate façade, intricate carvings, and perfect symmetry make it one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Malta. Though it now serves as the Office of the Prime Minister, the building continues to capture the imagination of visitors who come to admire its beauty from Castille Square. Whether you're photographing the golden limestone at sunset or simply pausing to take in the panorama over Floriana, this spot is one of the best places to see in Valletta and a highlight of any walking tour of the city.
History and Significance
The Auberge de Castille was first designed in the 1570s by Girolamo Cassar, the Knights' chief architect responsible for much of Valletta's original city plan. Cassar's initial design reflected the disciplined Mannerist style of the era - practical, geometric, and restrained, in keeping with the austere character of the early Order of St. John. The building served as the residence and administrative center for the Langue of Castille, León, and Portugal, among the most senior and influential divisions within the Order.
In the 1740s, the auberge underwent a dramatic Baroque transformation under Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca. The Maltese architect Andrea Belli was commissioned to redesign the structure, infusing it with grandeur and ornamentation. Completed around 1744, the new façade introduced bold symmetry, sculpted stonework, and Corinthian columns, creating a building worthy of the knights who once ruled the Mediterranean. The façade’s elaborate coat of arms and intricate balcony details reflect Pinto’s taste for extravagance and power.
During British rule, the Auberge de Castille became the headquarters for the British Armed Forces, marking another chapter in its long history as a seat of authority. After Malta's independence, it was repurposed as the Office of the Prime Minister, a function it continues to serve today. Despite its official use, the building remains an accessible visual icon - a symbol of Malta's leadership, artistry, and resilience.
Things to See and Do
While the interior of the Auberge de Castille is not generally open to the public, the building's exterior alone is worth a visit. The Baroque façade is a visual masterpiece, adorned with sculpted coats of arms and ornate balconies that showcase the skill of 18th-century Maltese craftsmen. Take time to explore Castille Square, where the auberge stands opposite the Central Bank of Malta and near the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views over the Grand Harbour - some of the finest in Valletta.
If you’re interested in architecture, notice how Andrea Belli’s Baroque embellishments harmonize with Cassar’s original structural proportions. The contrast between the building’s historical gravitas and its modern function as the Prime Minister’s office creates a fascinating juxtaposition - history and governance in perfect balance. In the evening, the façade glows beautifully under the warm light, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
Visitors can also enjoy the tranquil ambiance of Castille Square, often dotted with street performers or occasional state events. The surrounding area is filled with cafés and restaurants, ideal for sitting back and admiring this monumental piece of Maltese history.
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon or early evening for the best lighting and fewer crowds
- Entrance fee in Euros: Free (exterior viewing only)
- Opening hours: Viewable at all times; interior not open to public
- Official website: visitmalta.com
- How long to spend: 20-40 minutes
- Accessibility: Fully accessible with flat pavements around the square
- Facilities: Nearby cafés and rest areas in Castille Square
- Photography tip: Capture the façade at golden hour with the Grand Harbour as a backdrop
- Guided tours: External visits included in many Valletta historical tours
- Nearby food options: Café Castille, The Harbour Club, and Capo Crudo
How to Get There
The Auberge de Castille is located at the top of Castille Hill, near the Upper Barrakka Gardens and just a 10-minute walk from Valletta's City Gate. From the main bus terminal outside the gate, follow Republic Street and take a right onto Castille Place. The building is impossible to miss - its commanding façade faces the square, with views stretching over Floriana and beyond.
Is the Auberge de Castille Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. The Auberge de Castille is one of the must-see places in Valletta for anyone interested in history, architecture, or Maltese culture. It offers a perfect blend of grandeur and symbolism - a building that has evolved from a knightly residence into the nation's seat of power. While you can't explore inside, the exterior and surrounding viewpoints more than justify the visit.
What Other Travellers Say...
Il-Birgu ta' Kastilja (Auberge de Castille) on Merchants Street in Valletta is a striking Baroque auberge rebuilt in the 1740s that now houses Malta's Office of the Prime Minister; perched at the city's highest point it commands views over the Grand Harbour, features an impressive Baroque façade and elegant interiors, and is only open to the public on special occasions or organised events when well-run tours reveal its remarkable architecture and history.
Nearby Attractions
- Upper Barrakka Gardens - Offers the best panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and Saluting Battery.
- St. James Cavalier - A restored bastion now housing Spazju Kreattiv, Malta’s national center for creativity.
- Lascaris War Rooms - Underground WWII command center beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
- St. John's Co-Cathedral - One of the top sights in Valletta, showcasing Caravaggio's masterpiece.
- Grand Master's Palace - A historic residence and state building with stunning Baroque interiors.
The Auberge de Castille, Valletta appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Not open to the public
Nearby Attractions
- MUŻA — The National Community Art Museum (0.1) km
Museum - Auberge D’Italie, Valletta (0.1) km
Historic Building and Tourist Office - Pjazza Teatru Rjal (0.1) km
Theatre - Upper Barrakka Gardens (0.1) km
Gardens - Lascaris War Rooms (0.2) km
Museum - National Museum of Archaeology (0.2) km
Museum - War HQ Tunnels (0.2) km
Museum - Saluting Battery (0.2) km
Historic Site - Valletta City Gate (0.2) km
City Gate - St. John's Co-Cathedral (0.2) km
Cathedral
