- #MT16
- Merchants St, Valletta, Malta
- +35622000000
- http://www.cityofvalletta.org/content...
- 35.8958850, 14.5113670 Copy to clipboard Copy
Designed by Girolamo Cassar but later remodelled under Grand Master di Pinto, Auberge de Castille, situated in Castille Place, is one of the finest architectural works in Malta, as evidenced by its spectacular façade.
Finely proportioned and strictly symmetrical, the building was badly damaged during World War II but was later carefully restored. The building now houses the office of the Prime Minister.
Architecture of Auberge de Castille
Auberge de Castille is built in the Baroque style, and it is a two-storey building with a rectangular plan and a central courtyard. Its façade is divided into eleven bays defined by pilasters in the central bays or plain panelling in the outer bays. Ornate windows are set within recessed panels. The building has a continuous cornice, and its corners are rusticated.
The main entrance is approached by several steps, and the doorway is flanked by columns which support a trophy of arms and a bronze bust. Just in front of the entrance are two historic canons, now used for decoration.
Auberge de Castille is linked to Auberge d’Italie across Merchants Street through a World War II-era underground air-raid shelter.