Auberge d'Aragon, Valletta

The Auberge d'Aragon in Valletta, constructed in 1571, was designed to accommodate knights from the langue of Aragon, Navarre, and Catalonia, who were part of the Order of Saint John. Notably, it is the only auberge in Valletta that has preserved its original Mannerist architecture, a style attributed to the renowned architect Girolamo Cassar.

Throughout its history, the auberge has undergone various transformations, reflecting Malta's changing rulers. In the 19th century, it was requisitioned by the British military and later leased to Bishop George Tomlinson, becoming known as Gibraltar House. During this time, a Neoclassical portico was added, marking the most significant external change since its 16th-century origins. Over the following years, it served multiple purposes, including as a printing press, school, and hospital during World War II.

The building also played a pivotal political role, housing the Office of the Prime Minister between 1921–33 and 1947–72. Today, it continues to serve the Maltese government, currently accommodating the Ministry for Justice since 2020.

Architecturally, Auberge d'Aragon is a single-story building characterized by its Mannerist style, featuring a rectangular plan and a central arcaded courtyard. Despite attempts at symmetry, its façade is notably asymmetric, comprising a main doorway flanked by moulded windows, with a continuous cornice along the roof level and rusticated corners adding to its decorative simplicity. The introduction of a Doric portico as the main entrance stands as the only significant alteration to the original design.

Originally painted in red ochre to denote it as a public building by the Order, traces of this paint still linger, adding to the building's historical authenticity. Inside, the auberge boasts Renaissance-era rooms, offering a glimpse into its storied past.