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Auberge De France, Cottonera Travel Guide

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Explore Malta's history at Auberge De France in Birgu, a former residence of the Knights of St. John, now the city hall.

The Auberge De France, located in Birgu, Malta, dates back to 1533 and once housed the French Knights of the Order of Saint John. Today, it serves as Birgu's city hall, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's rich history and architectural heritage.

A brief summary to Auberge De France

  • Monday 8 am-12:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-12:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-12:30 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-12:30 pm
  • Friday 8 am-12:30 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-12 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Auberge De France.

  • Visit in the morning for a quieter experience and better photo opportunities.
  • Explore the charming streets of Birgu after your visit, with cozy cafes and local shops.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as the building has specific visiting times.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Birgu Waterfront, walk towards the main square, Pjazza San Ġorġ. Locate the Inquisitor's Palace, a large stone building on your right. Take the narrow street to the left of the Palace (Triq il-Lunzjata) and continue to Triq Sant' Anna. Turn right, and you'll see Auberge De France on your left.

  • Public Transport

    From Valletta, take bus number 2, 3, or 4. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Get off at the Birgu Centre stop. From the bus stop, walk along Triq il-Kunsill. Turn right onto Triq Sant' Anna, and you will see Auberge De France on your left. A single bus ticket costs around €2-€3.

  • Driving

    From any location on Malta, follow signs to Il-Kottonera and then to Birgu. Drive towards the Birgu marina. There are parking areas just outside of Birgu, either along the marina or in neighboring Bormla. Parking availability can be limited, especially during peak season. Some streets, like Triq San Lawrenz, have time limits. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around €0.50-€1.00 per hour.

Discover more about Auberge De France

Auberge De France, situated in the historic town of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta, is a significant landmark with a rich history dating back to around 1533. Built to house the knights of the Order of Saint John from the langue of France, the auberge stands as a testament to the island's Hospitaller past.The Auberge De France is built in the Melitan style, reflecting traditional Maltese architecture. The two-story building features a symmetrical facade with molded windows and an ornate main doorway topped with a wrought iron lattice bearing the fleur-de-lys, the symbol of France. The layout includes rooms built around a central courtyard, providing natural light to the entrance hall and other parts of the building.Over the centuries, the Auberge De France has served various purposes. After the Order of Saint John moved to Valletta, the auberge was sold to private owners and later used as a primary school, a furniture factory, and even a political history museum. Today, it functions as Birgu's city hall, housing the local council.Visitors to Auberge De France can appreciate its well-preserved architecture and learn about its historical significance. The building stands as a reminder of the Knights' influence on Malta and the island's strategic importance in the Mediterranean.

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