Mansions and private mansions to visit Birgu – Citta Vittoriosa

Sold in Birgu by knights, they are bought by individuals who turn their structures into residences. You will notice that strangely a house was built in the middle of the facade, leaving the side sides visible.

Recent studies have made it possible to update architectural elements dating back to a bygone era to knights, such as a Byzantine tile.

France has three languages represented in Birgu, with the Auberge de France, the Auberge de Provence and the Auberge d'Auvergne, all located in the Collachio district. The Auberge de France is one of the most beautiful in Birgu, with an elaborately decorated façade attributed to the architect Bartholomeo Menga.

The vestibule of this residence is modest in size, but its ceiling is Renaissance, and you'll reach a loggia via an attractive staircase. On the main door, you can see the original fleur-de-lys emblem.

After the knights left for Valletta, the inn became private property, then was used as a communal school at the start of the English occupation, then as a carpentry workshop, until it was finally declared state property.

During the Second World War, the Auberge de France in Valletta was destroyed, leaving the one in Birgu as the only Auberge de France in Malta. In 1980, a museum of political history was installed here. It failed to attract much interest and is now closed. The hostel now houses the local Council and hosts occasional thematic and art exhibitions.