A general photo of Merchants Street Valletta
Merchants Street
This street runs parallel with republic street and is the second main street of Valletta. In this street a number of ministries are located in building created by the Order of Malta.
Opposite the Auberge d'Italie and adjacent to the Auberge de Castille is Palazzo Parisio, famous or infamous because of the six-night stay of Napoleon Bonaparte in June 1798, when he wrested Malta from the Knights of Malta and had them expelled. The same family Parisio later on became for a time the owner of Palazzo Parisio in Naxar. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is now at home in the palace.
In the next block there is Palazzo Castellania and was the home of the Law Courts of the Order of Malta. A castellan was in the medieval ages a castle owner, later on a castel became a bulwark of peace and order, hence the law courts. On its façade there is a sculpture, an allegory of Justice, Truth and Reputation.
Further down at the back of the Grand Masters palace one can find the 'suq', the old covered market place which is now being restored. It will resume its function after completion.
St Dominic's Basilica is at the intersection of Merchants street and St Dominic's Street, built around 1571. It was dedicated to it patron-saint the Madonna of Porto Salvo (safe haven, referring to both the Church and the Grand Harbour as safe places).
Further down there is the Old University of Malta, Valletta Campus, which is also used as conference venue.
At the end of Merchants Street, across the road, one may find Fort St Elmo.
Address and street / location can be found on our map, click on Guide in the menu bar and you will get a map with markers. |
Additional information
Entrance Auberge d'Italie
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