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This blog is dedicated to Malta - my island home. My aim is not to bore you with history but to share my thoughts and a few facts together with a photo or two. For a more in -depth background of the island please go here. The purpose of this blog is not to point out the short-comings of the island. There are plenty that do that already. My wish is to show you the beauty of an island at the cross roads of the Mediterranean, a melting pot of history; a place where fact and fiction are sometimes fused to create unique myths and legends; a country that has been conquered so many times that our culture is a mish mesh of the lands that surround us and of lands far away. I confess that my greatest desire is to make you fall in love with this tiny enchanting island.

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Sunday 28 February 2010

Valletta in Sepia (3) – Auberge de Castille

 Valletta at Twilight

The Auberge de Castille was the official residence of the Knights of the Langue of Castille, Leon and Portugal, one of the most powerful of the Order. Auberges were inns or residences for those knights that did not have a house in Malta.

Valletta at Twilight (1)

The original auberge was built by Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar in 1574. It was virtually re-built in 1741 and the present imposing structure is attributed to Andrea Belli. This auberge is one of the most ornate buildings in Valletta and it is built on the highest point of the capital city, commanding views of the harbour and of the surrounding towns and countryside.

During British rule it was used as the headquarters of the British Army. Today it houses the Office of the Prime Minister.

8 comments:

  1. These are such amzaing photos..truly beautiful...I am mesmerized! Gorgeous!
    Kiki~

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  2. Those knights sure had a magnificent place to stay while they were in Malta. The sculptural details are fascinating and the auberge looks great in sepia!

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  3. Magnificent building and so ornate! I like your angled view in the second photo. From your description I can understand why the British Army used it for their headquarters. Perfect in sepia.

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  4. Makes me think of some buildings I have seen in Catania !

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  5. Beautiful photos of the Auberge de castille!

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  6. Beautiful and wow, those canons!

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