Casa Rocca Piccola, Valletta

Casa Rocca Piccola, a jewel nestled in the heart of Valletta, Malta, offers a window into the aristocratic lifestyle of the past. This 16th-century palace, transformed into a museum, allows visitors to step back in time and explore the daily life of Maltese nobility. The house was built in 1580 for a Knight of the Order of St John and has since been the ancestral home of the noble de Piro family.

The museum showcases over 50 rooms, including two libraries, several state rooms, and a chapel, all adorned with period furniture and family portraits that tell the story of the de Piro lineage and Maltese history. The interconnected rooms are a labyrinth of history, with each corner revealing secrets from Malta's past. The palace also features a network of underground bomb shelters, which provided sanctuary during World War II air raids.

One of the highlights of Casa Rocca Piccola is its lush courtyard garden, a rare green oasis in the city, which provides a serene escape and a glimpse into the domestic lives of the Maltese aristocracy. The garden is not only a place of beauty but also of practicality, as it houses a collection of antique carriages and traditional Maltese costumes.

Casa Rocca Piccola is more than just a museum; it is an enduring piece of Malta's cultural heritage that continues to be inhabited by the de Piro family. It offers guided tours that provide valuable insights into the nobility's customs and traditions, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the social history of Malta.