Residences of Maltese Nobility

This excursion offers another aspect of the island. It begins with Casa Rocca Piccola, a patrician residence of the 16th century that retained in its original state and is still inhabited. It will give you an insight of the local aristocratic traditions and of the incomparable heritage of the capital city, Valletta. This guided visit will allow you to gaze at the main rooms of the residence, notably the family chapel, the library, the ceremonial bedroom with its canopy bed, two dining rooms, three lounges, the smallest of which contains a unique collection of surgical instruments dating back to the 18th century, during the time of the French Grand Master De Rohan. A coffee break (tea, coffee & honey rings) will be taken at Casa Rocca Piccola. We then head to the small village of Naxxar to visit another patrician residence, the Palazzo Parisio. This palace dates back to the 19th century and is famous for its magnificent gardens and baroque architecture. Also known as «mini Versailles», this rich residence, as far as architecture is concerned, is a masterpiece and synthesis of the Maltese way of living at the end of the 19th century.