Mediterranean Conference Centre (The Knights Hospitallers), Valletta

Mediterranean Conference Centre (The Knights Hospitallers), Valletta

The Mediterranean Conference Centre, situated in the historic city of Valletta, has a long and storied history dating back to the 16th century. Initially erected by the Order of Saint John, the building functioned as the Holy Infirmary (Sacra Infermeria), a a leading medical facility in Europe, accommodating 500 to 2,500 patients and offering advanced healthcare services until the 18th century. Its significance endured through different periods, being known as the Grand Hôspital during the French occupation and the Station Hospital during British rule, until it ceased medical operations in 1920.

After its medical phase, the building briefly served as the headquarters of the Malta Police Force until May 1940. Despite suffering significant damage during World War II, the building's resilience led to its repurposing as a Command Hall for Allied Troops after the war until 1950, followed by roles as a Children's Theatre, school, and examination center. In 1978, extensive restoration work began, leading to the establishment of the current conference center on November 11, 1979.

Today, the Mediterranean Conference Centre serves as a versatile venue for banquets, exhibitions, international conventions, and theatrical performances, having hosted notable events like the Valletta Summit on Migration and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2015. The original Holy Infirmary's stunning architecture, with its grand main hall - once Europe's largest - and intricately designed monumental staircase, embodies its rich historical and cultural legacy. Its layout, including six spacious wards and a central courtyard expanded from the original two wards, along with corridors and underground halls boasting vaulted ceilings, showcases the architectural prowess of the era and the Order of Saint John's dedication to care and hospitality. The Mediterranean Conference Centre continues to honor its illustrious past while serving as a hub of cultural and international exchange in Malta.

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Mediterranean Conference Centre (The Knights Hospitallers) on Map

Sight Name: Mediterranean Conference Centre (The Knights Hospitallers)
Sight Location: Valletta, Malta (See walking tours in Valletta)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Valletta, Malta

Create Your Own Walk in Valletta

Create Your Own Walk in Valletta

Creating your own self-guided walk in Valletta is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Valletta Architectural Landmarks Tour

Valletta Architectural Landmarks Tour

Following the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, the knights of the Order of St John set about creating a city ‘built by gentlemen, for gentlemen’. The end result saw the island's capital become home to an array of elaborate Baroque buildings, some reflecting Mannerist features borrowed from neighboring Italy.

Many of these architectural monuments have proudly withstood the test of time...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Valletta Introduction Walking Tour

Valletta Introduction Walking Tour

Malta's capital city, Valletta, occupies the strategic peninsula between the Marsamxett and Grand Harbours. It is Europe's smallest capital city.

Valletta was founded in the 16th century. Many of the original buildings were built by the Knights Hospitaller. The city was named for Jean Parisot de Valette, famous for defending the island from the Ottomans during the Great Seige of Malta...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles