The Auberges

The houses of the Knights of St. John

The term Auberge refers to the Knights’ houses. During their first years in Malta, the Knights had to serve once a week in the existing hospitals and in return, they lived in their Auberge for free. The Auberges were organized into eight languages: Castille et Leon, Italie, Aragon, Angleterre et Baviere, d’Allemagne, France, Auvergne, and that of Provence.

Out of these eight auberges, only five remain: France and Auvergne were destroyed during the Second World War and Allemagne was pulled down to make way for the Anglican Cathedral of St. Paul. All auberges were located not far off from St. John’s Co-Cathedral, some of which consist of two floors, with the lower level containing ceremonial halls, and the upper level hosting the bedrooms.

The Knights had two rooms for their own personal use, and were assisted by a pawn. The auberges expected discipline: communal meals were at fixed hours and knights were obliged to dine in at least 4 days a week. The head of each Auberge headed meals at a separate table on a raised platform.

Auberge de Castille

Designed by Girolamo Cassar but later remodelled under Grand Master di Pinto, the Auberge de Castille and Leon, situated in Castille Place, is one of the finest architectural works in Malta, as shown by its spectacular façade which is 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.

Auberge d’Italie

Originally designed by Girolamo Cassar, the Auberge d’Italie is in Merchants Street, Valletta. Architecturally, the Auberge d’Italie is one of the finest buildings in Valletta. It has a symmetrical facade, rectangular in plan and surrounded by streets on three sides. It is built around an arcaded courtyard and was considerably altered in the 17th century.  Nowadays this building is used to host the Malta Tourism Authority. 

Auberge de Provence

This Auberge de Provence is found in Republic Street, Valletta, and its construction was initiated in 1571. The decoration of the size of the building is deceptive, since it is subtly hidden in the decoration of the façade. The building was substantially renovated and from 1998 onwards it now houses the National Archaeology Museum.