Auberge d'Auvergne et Provence
Historic residence of French Knights in Birgu, showcasing unique architecture and a glimpse into Malta's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for viewing architecture
Auberge d'Auvergne et Provence
Best Time
Best for viewing architecture
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic residence of French Knights in Birgu, showcasing unique architecture and a glimpse into Malta's past.
"A place of history in the alleys of Birgu, offering a glimpse into the Knights' era."
Admire the Facade
Focus on the exterior architecture; interiors are often private residences. :camerawithflash:
Respect Private Spaces
Be mindful that parts are inhabited. Avoid disturbing residents. :housewithgarden:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 9 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Knights' Architectural Legacy
Admire the facade of this historic building, a testament to the Knights of St. John's presence in Malta.
Byzantine Period Remnants
Explore the possibility of seeing remnants from the Byzantine era, adding layers to its rich history.
Intact Interior Charm
Catch a glimpse of the interiors, which largely retain their original state, offering a peek into the past.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into Knights' History
Respecting Private Residences
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Admire the Facade
Focus on the exterior architecture; interiors are often private residences. :camerawithflash:
Respect Private Spaces
Be mindful that parts are inhabited. Avoid disturbing residents. :housewithgarden:
Historical Context
Learn about its role housing French knights before Valletta's development. 📜
Clean Public Toilets
Surprisingly clean public facilities found in this suggestive historical location. 🚽
Tips
from all over the internet
Admire the Facade
Focus on the exterior architecture; interiors are often private residences. :camerawithflash:
Respect Private Spaces
Be mindful that parts are inhabited. Avoid disturbing residents. :housewithgarden:
Historical Context
Learn about its role housing French knights before Valletta's development. 📜
Clean Public Toilets
Surprisingly clean public facilities found in this suggestive historical location. 🚽
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Auberge d'Auvergne et Provence as a significant historical landmark in Birgu, offering a glimpse into the Knights' era with its unique facade and preserved interiors. While parts are private residences, its architectural merit and historical context are highly valued.
"During your journey to Birgu, you will surely pass by old buildings of French knights. The Auberge des Chevaliers de Provence is one of them. On the west side of the Auberge de France are the residences that the Order had chosen to be the Auberge de Provence and the Auberge d’Auvergne. They are marked by an inscription affixed to them. You will notice a house that, curiously, was built in the middle of the facade, leaving the side parts visible. It is in these three residences that sons of the French nobility coming from their different regions, were housed before their permanent settlement in Valletta."
Fennec Elisabeth
"I believe it's private, because I tried to visit it, but there was no information, and on one of the floors, a lady was sitting as if it were her home. It was built in the 1530s to house the Knights of the Order of St. John of the Auvergne and Provence langues when they first arrived in Malta, until two separate auberges were built in Valletta in the 1580s.
It was possibly built on some remains dating back to the Byzantine period. They were originally built separately, with Auvergne on the right and Provence on the left, but at some point they were joined and shared a single façade, along with the Albergue d'Aragon and France as a compact block.
The façade has a central doorway, with smaller doors on either side. The central doorway is adorned with a molded cornice. The openings have typical Maltese moldings. Today, the section that housed the Langue d'Provence remains almost intact, despite some alterations. Auvergne has lost part of its façade, although it retains the entrance and a small balcony. The interior of both remains almost intact in its original state."
Pato
"I have not found such a clean public toilet in such a suggestive location on any of my previous trips."
Alessandro Zamagni
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Auberge d'Auvergne et Provence is located in the historic alleys of Birgu (Vittoriosa). You can reach Birgu by ferry from Valletta or by bus. Once in Birgu, it's a pleasant walk through the charming streets to find the auberge. Look for inscriptions marking the residences of the Knights of St. John.
Parking in Birgu can be challenging due to its narrow streets. It's best to park in designated areas outside the immediate historic center and walk. Consider using public transport or a taxi to reach the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No ticket is required to view the exterior of the Auberge d'Auvergne et Provence. It is part of the historic streetscape of Birgu. However, access to the interior is generally not permitted as parts are private residences.
As the Auberge is primarily an exterior architectural site and partly private residences, there are no official opening hours. You can view its facade at any time during daylight hours.
Generally, the interior of the Auberge d'Auvergne et Provence is not open to the public as it is partly used as private residences. Visitors can admire the architecture from the outside.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
This auberge was built in the 1530s to house the Knights of the Order of St. John from the Auvergne and Provence regions before separate auberges were established in Valletta. It's a key piece of the Knights' history in Malta.
Look for the central doorway with a molded cornice and openings with typical Maltese moldings. The facade has a unique central doorway with smaller doors on either side, and the building may incorporate older Byzantine-era remains.
Yes, the historic architecture and its setting within the charming streets of Birgu make it a picturesque spot for photography, especially the facade and its details.
Yes, surprisingly clean public toilets have been noted in this suggestive historical location, which can be a convenient amenity for visitors exploring Birgu.
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