Selmun Palace looks like a fortified building but it has never been the case. The Palace was built in the early 18th century on territory called fego di Salamone or ta’ Salamuni, today known as Selmun. It is very large, has two floors, has four turrets and a number of embrasures on them, to look like a fortified palace. The aim was to give the impression that the area was well defended and to keep away Muslim Corsairs from that area. The idea behind the building of fortified palaces came from Italy, especially from Firenze and was later developed by French military engineers. The palace was never part of Malta’s coastal defence, though a lookout post had existed in the area prior the arrival of the knights (1530).
During the period of the Order of St John, Selmun Palace was hired to knights as a place to relax and to hunt wild animals like rabbits, that existed in the surrounding lands. Over the centuries, various noble people lived in the palace. Until some time ago the palace was used for social functions and a Hotel was built near it in the 60’s. Today the hotel is closed and the palace is vacant. I hope it will be put to good use very soon and not allowed to crumble down.
Thank you for looking and for your comments on yesterday's picture.
so sorry to hear it is not being used anymore. great processing. Hey, I know you are a football fan ( I know it is not like your football) however, I will be working the super bowl... Hope to get some good pictures.
hopefully the building will be put to good use!