Auberge d'Angleterre (The Inn of England), Birgu

Auberge d'Angleterre (The Inn of England), Birgu

The Inn of England is a historic building with a rich past and architectural significance. It incorporates an earlier single-story building that originally belonged to a Maltese woman named Catherine Abela. In December 1534, the building was sold to the English knight Sir Clement West, who subsequently donated it to the langue of England in May 1535. The house was converted into the headquarters of the English langue, and during this transformation, a first floor was added to the structure.

The rear of the Inn of England was linked to the now-destroyed Auberge d'Allemagne, showcasing its connection to neighboring historical sites.
The building is also adjacent to the former residence of Sir Oliver Starkey, the secretary of Grand Master Jean de Valette and one of the last English knights of the Order of St. John.
Inn of England is known for its remarkable state of preservation, making it the best-preserved Hospitaller auberge in Birgu. The building exhibits Melitan-style architecture, characterized by traditional Maltese design elements. It is a two-story structure featuring rooms arranged around a central courtyard, a common layout for auberges of this era. The main living area, is located on the first floor.

The façade is elegantly simple, adorned with a central doorway topped by a circular window and flanked by windows on either side. Above the doorway on the first floor, there is an overhanging open balcony, also flanked by windows. The door and windows are decorated with Melitan mouldings, adding to the architectural charm of the building.

Throughout its history, Auberge d'Angleterre has served various purposes. It was once used as a public library and briefly housed a non-governmental organization called The Three Cities Foundation. Presently, the auberge is home to the Vittoriosa Health Centre.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Birgu. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Auberge d'Angleterre (The Inn of England) on Map

Sight Name: Auberge d'Angleterre (The Inn of England)
Sight Location: Birgu, Malta (See walking tours in Birgu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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