Auberge de Castille

The basics

Built to replace a 16th-century residence of the Knights of St. John from Castile, Leon, and Portugal, the two-story Auberge de Castille dates from the magistracy of Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca and was designed by architect Andrea Belli between 1741 and 1744. Among its other roles, it functioned as the headquarters for French, British, Maltese, and Cypriot forces before becoming the prime ministerial seat in 1972.

The Auberge de Castille is a staple on all Valletta tours, along with landmarks such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the City Gate. Visitors can pause to admire the building's facade as a guide explains its history. As it's floodlit at night, the Auberge is also featured on evening tours that showcase the island’s—and Valletta’s—illuminated landmarks.

Things to know before you go

• The Auberge is a must-see for first-time visitors and history and architecture fans.

• Opt to see it on a walking tour to learn about its history.

• Bring your camera—the Auberge stands on a large, traffic-free square, allowing for great panoramic shots.

How to get there

The Auberge stands on Castille Square in eastern old Valletta, near the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Much of the old city is traffic-free, so the best way to reach the building is on foot, either independently or on a tour. If you’re traveling from elsewhere on Malta, head to Valletta’s main A1 bus terminal and make the 5-minute walk from there. Drivers will find parking lots outside Valletta’s City Gate.

When to get there

Visitors can check out the Auberge’s exterior whenever they wish, though access to Castille Square may be limited on official occasions. The square can get busy in the summer, so to view the facade without the crowds, arrive in the early morning. The Auberge looks stunning after dark, when floodlights are used to impressive effect.

What to look (and listen) for

Be sure to note the Auberge’s architectural details, which contribute to its elegance and symmetry. Highlights include the stairway to the canon-flanked entrance, the doorway columns supporting a bust of Grand Master Pinto, and the ornate window above. Afterward, continue to the Saluting Battery in the nearby Upper Barrakka Gardens to watch the firing of its cannons—the guns sound at 12pm and 4pm every day.