This auberge (French for hotel) is one of the auberges built by the Knights in Valletta. The Order of the Knights was made up of the best of the aristocracy of Europe and it was divided into 8 langues – or languages. Each langue had its own Auberge which served as seat of the respective head and his entourage and guests. The Langue of Castille, Leon and Portugal (for short Castille) was the most powerful of all the langues. It’s Head was the Grand Chancellor of the Order. This auberge is located at the highest point of Valletta and originally looked out on the rolling countryside beyond, giving it a unique vantage-point unsurpassed by any other building in the city.
The current building was erected in 1741 (replacing a previous building of 1574). It was damaged during the French siege in 1799-1800 and also during the last World War. After the departure of the Knights it served as Headquarter of the French forces and later the British forces. Since 1972 it has become the Office of the Prime Minister. Currently a general clean-up and restoration project is being carried out on the building.
I am proud to say that I have worked in this building for over 10 years and have served under 3 Prime Ministers as director for human resources in the public service. My office had the 3rd window of the first floor on the right side street, which has still to be restored.
Thank you so much for looking and for your lovely comments on my previous pictures.
You have to be proud to have had such a responsible job!, and working in such a fine building with so much history....very interesting information, thank you!
What a beautiful place to work! Glad to see they're restoring this historical building. Interesting tidbits of history about it and your career, Dione!
It must have been very pleasing to work in such an historic building! The architecture is quite grand and it's going to look beautiful when fully refurbished. Nice shot.
The history of this building as we as it's architectural style is facinating. Thanks for sharing something about this building which was your former workplace.
