The Auberge of Castille

This imposing edifice, the largest and most elegant of the Inns of Residence in Valletta, catered for Knights from Castille and those from the regions of Leon and Portugal. The Auberge dates from 1574, but Grand Master Emanuel Pinto de Fonseca restructured the facade thereby giving this building a touch of majesty.

The facade's impressive features are the three rows of windows with their scroll and shell ornamentation, and the stately doorway surmounted with a bust of Grand Master Pinto, in an array of banners and triumphal motifs. Pinto's coat-of-arms, consisting of five crescents, tops the central window. The Arms of Castille, Leon and Portugal surmount the massive cornice framing the roof of the building.

The Langue of Castille was very important in the Order. Its chief was the Grand Chancellor. The Knights of this Langue were expected to defend the bulwark of St. Barbara, a part of Valletta's fortifications.

The Church of St. James, in nearby Merchants Street, served the religious needs of the resident Knights.

During the British occupation, the Auberge was the military headquarters of the Army. In World War II, the right wing of the building was badly damaged during an air raid.

Nowadays, this beautiful building houses the office of the Prime Minister.

HOTELS AND RESORTS IN THE VALLETTA AREA

Excelsior Grand Hotel Malta *****
Hotel Phoenicia Malta *****

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The Auberge of Castille

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