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Auberge de Castille: Valletta's Baroque Masterpiece

Admire the Baroque grandeur of Auberge de Castille in Valletta, a historical landmark and the office of the Prime Minister of Malta.

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The Auberge de Castille, a stunning Baroque building in Valletta, currently houses the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta. Originally built in 1574 for the Knights of Saint John, it was redesigned in the 1740s. Its imposing facade and historical significance make it a must-see landmark, offering a glimpse into Malta's rich past.

A brief summary to Auberge de Castille (Castile)

  • VGW6+8GJ, Valletta, MT

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos of the Auberge's facade.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the Upper Barrakka Gardens for stunning views of the Grand Harbour.
  • Explore nearby attractions such as Saint James Cavalier and the Malta Stock Exchange.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Auberge de Castille is located at Castile Place, a short walk from many central Valletta locations. From Republic Street, walk towards the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The Auberge is situated nearby, overlooking Floriana and the Grand Harbour. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Valletta's main bus terminal is a short walk from the Auberge de Castille. From the terminal, walk up Republic Street towards Upper Barrakka Gardens. The Auberge is located on Castile Place. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 during the summer (mid-June to mid-October) and €2.00 in winter. A night ticket costs €3.00.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Valletta. A short taxi ride to Auberge de Castille from within Valletta will typically cost around €12.50, but this can vary. Taxi fares start at €3.50, with additional charges per kilometer. Ensure the meter is running or agree on a fixed fare beforehand.

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Discover more about Auberge de Castille (Castile)

Auberge de Castille, located at the highest point of Valletta, is one of the city's most prominent landmarks. Its history dates back to 1574 when it was first constructed by the Knights of Saint John to house knights of the Langue of Castile, León, and Portugal. This group of knights was one of the most powerful within the Order. The original Auberge, designed by Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar, was built in the Mannerist style. However, it was completely rebuilt in the Spanish Baroque style between 1741 and 1744 during the magistracy of Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca. The redesign was executed by Andrea Belli, with Domenico Cachia supervising the construction. The imposing facade features repetitive elements and is adorned with cannons at the front step, making it a popular photo spot. Over the centuries, the Auberge de Castille has served various purposes. After the French occupation in 1798, it became the headquarters for French military forces. In 1805, when the British took over, it again served as a headquarters, this time for the British military. It even accommodated crippled soldiers and housed a Protestant chapel in 1840. In 1972, it was chosen as the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta, a function it continues to serve today. Although the building is not open to the public, its exterior remains a sight to behold, symbolizing Malta's rich history and cultural heritage.

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