Museums & galleries
Auberge d'Italie
What It Is
Auberge d'Italie is a late-16th-century palace in Valletta, originally constructed to house Italian knights of the Order of St John. Remodeled in the 17th century to incorporate Baroque architectural features, the building now houses Malta's national community art museum (MUŻA). Travellers visit to see the preserved architecture of a historic knightly residence and to view permanent exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Getting There
Located on Merchants Street in central Valletta, the building is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the city. The walk from the main City Gate or the central bus terminus takes roughly five minutes.
Time to Spend
Allow 1 to 2 hours to tour the interior galleries and view the central courtyard. A brief exterior stop to view the facade takes about 10 minutes.
When to Visit
Mornings are generally quieter before larger tour groups arrive. The site can experience heavier crowds during midday, particularly when cruise ships are docked in the harbour. The climate-controlled galleries also make it a practical stop during hot summer afternoons.
Nearby Attractions
You can easily pair a visit with several neighbouring sites:
- MUŻA (0km): Located directly inside the palace structure.
- Church of St Catherine of Italy, Valletta (0km): Situated directly opposite on the piazza.
- Our Lady of Victory Church (0.1km): Located just up the street toward Castille Square.
- Royal Opera House (0.1km): Open-air ruins and performance space near the city entrance.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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