Visitors to Malta and Gozo are spoiled when it comes to beautiful buildings and palaces around the islands. A prolific concentration can be found in most cities and towns such as the old capital Mdina and the Three Cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea. But in Valletta, it’s the unique Casa Rocca Piccola that lets visitors admire and sleep amidst relics of yesteryear.
The palace of Casa Rocca Piccola was originally built in 1580 for Don Pietro La Rocca (a Knight of Malta) but is now the family home of Nicholas de Piro d’Amico Inguanez, the 9th Baron of Budach and the 9th Marquis de Piro who, lucky for visitors, opened a part of his home to the public in 1991.
It’s now a museum and stunning B&B where travellers can spend the night amidst Maltese antiques, art, silver and lace.
House History
The palace of Casa Rocca Piccola was originally built in 1580 for Don Pietro La Rocca (a Knight of Malta) but is now the family home of the 9th Marquis de Piro and his family, who, lucky for us, opened a part of it to the public in 1991.
In the 18th century, the house was divided into two. Air raid shelters were also built during the Second World War, the second to be built in Malta at the time.
Of its many surprises is the garden, a rare feature of homes built in this era. Look at any map of the time, and the Casa Rocca Piccola was referred to as la casa con giardino—the house with a garden.
Casa Rocca Piccola was built in an era of triumph, when Malta had withstood a three-month siege by the invading Ottomans, who were finally defeated and repelled in September of 1565. Before the battle, the Knights of St John had elected Jean Parisot de Valette to be Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller. Valette became the Order’s hero as leader, commanding the resistance against the Ottomans.
Upon the great victory, Valette commissioned the construction of the new city of Valletta. The city was not built haphazardly. It was fortified with high bastions and built on a parallel grid plan for greater access and security.
De Valette also ordered it be built with magnificence to match the splendour of other European capital cities.
Valletta’s stunning homes, such as the Casa Rocca Piccola, are a reminder of this moment in history.
Who Else Slept Here?
The list of occupants throughout the centuries is a veritable Who’s Who, originating with Admiral Don Pietro La Rocca – the founder and builder who was Admiral of the Order’s powerful marine fleet.
Between 1722 and 1728, the regal building was the home of Monsignor Fra Gaspare Gori Mancini of Siena, Malta’s Bishop.
Other noble occupants include the Sant Cassia family, Cassar-Torreggiani family, and the de Piro d’Amico Inguanez family.
Visit the Museum
The Casa Rocca Piccola is still privately owned by the de Piro family and has more than 50 rooms, many of which are open for viewing, including two libraries, two dining rooms, several drawing rooms, and a private family chapel.
Guided tours are led in English (with translations in numerous other languages), and let you admire the paintings, furniture and other objets d’art collected over the centuries.
The Casa Rocca Piccola is also home to the largest private collection of antique costumes from the 18th to the 20th centuries and also holds a large collection of Maltese lace.
Don’t miss a chance to explore a network of underground passages and tunnels beneath the palace, built throughout its 400-year history, including one that leads to a cavern used as a shelter during WWII.
Spend the Night
When it comes to overnight stays in Valletta, this might be one of the most unique you can design for a memorable visit to Valletta.
While most of Casa Rocca Piccola is private, six rooms have been transformed into a regal B&B for overnight guests, who can sleep amidst historic artifacts and decorations, and enjoy en suite bathrooms. Some rooms even have balconies.
Be sure to book a table at La Giara, an authentic Italian restaurant that’s bookable even if you don’t stay the night.
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BeSeeingYou In: Valletta, Malta
Good to know: The walled garden is filled with orange trees and home to a blue and gold macaw named Kiku III.
WOW! Factor: Sometimes it’s the Marquis himself who leads the tours.
Tip: Anyone staying in the B&B gets a free tour of Casa Rocca Piccola’s museum
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Author bio: Albert Fenech
E:mail – salina46af@gmail.com
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This article was originally published in December 2023 and has been updated with current info
