Auberge d'Aragon

Berga tal-Italja, il-Birgu (c. 1935)-->

Auberge d'Aragon is a historic building located in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. It was one of the several auberges built in the 16th century to house knights of the Order of Saint John from the langue of Aragon, which included knights from Aragon, Catalonia, and Navarre. The auberge in Valletta is the only one still in its original use, currently serving as an office for the Maltese government.

History

The Auberge d'Aragon was built in 1571, designed by the Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar, who was responsible for many of the notable buildings in Valletta during the rule of the Order of Saint John. The construction was part of the new city of Valletta, which was established following the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. The building served as the accommodation and meeting place for knights of the langue of Aragon.

Throughout the centuries, the Auberge d'Aragon has seen various uses. After the Order of Saint John was expelled from Malta by Napoleon in 1798, the building was used for military purposes by the French and later by the British when Malta became part of the British Empire. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it housed various government offices. Today, it retains a governmental function, illustrating the building's continuous adaptation to the needs of its occupants.

Architecture

The Auberge d'Aragon is an example of Maltese Renaissance architecture. Its façade is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, typical of Gerolamo Cassar's designs. The building is structured around a central courtyard, a common feature in the architecture of the period, which allowed for ventilation and light in the hot Mediterranean climate.

The interior of the Auberge d'Aragon features several halls and rooms that were used by the knights for their meetings and daily activities. Although modified over the years, these spaces still retain elements of their original 16th-century design, offering insights into the life of the knights of the Order of Saint John.

Cultural Significance

The Auberge d'Aragon is a significant cultural heritage site in Malta. It represents the historical presence of the Order of Saint John on the island and their influence on Maltese architecture and society. The building is a testament to the strategic importance of Malta in the Mediterranean and the complex history of the island under the rule of different powers.

As part of the city of Valletta, the Auberge d'Aragon contributes to the city's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a valuable asset for the study of Renaissance architecture in Malta and the history of the Order of Saint John.

See Also

• Order of Saint John
• Valletta
• Gerolamo Cassar
• Renaissance architecture