Il-Palazz ta’ Selmun – Selmun Palace

History

When was built Selmun Palace?

The palace itself was built sometime in the 18th century, although the exact date of construction is not known.

Who built it?

Selmun Palace was built by the Monte della Redenzione degli Schiavi, funded by the Monte di Pietà. A charity that was founded during the reign of Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt in 1607. The earliest record of the structure is on 1783 in a map when it was referred to as Torre Nuova (new tower). The palace’s architect is unknown, but it is sometimes attributed to Domenico Cachia. In the 1840s, a semaphore station was installed on the villa. The building was included on the Antiquities List of 1925.

Why did the owner of the salmon palace build it?

To finance the redemption of Christians enslaved by Ottomans or Barbary corsairs. The rent money contributed to the redemption fund.

Why does the structure look like a military building?

Selmun Palace is an example of Baroque architecture. It has a square plan with four pseudo-bastions on each side, the design of which was inspired by the Verdala Palace and the Wignacourt towers. These bastions as well as fake embrasures were mainly built for aesthetic purposes, and the structure was never intended for military use. Despite this, it served as a deterrent for corsairs looking for a potential landing spot, since it looked like a military outpost when viewed from the sea. The main facade has three doors, with the main one being surrounded by a decorative portal. An ornate window on the upper floor and a bell-cot on the roof surmount the main door. A balcony surrounds the perimeter of the entire building.

Who is the owner?

The Owner is Selmun Palace Hotel Company Ltd

What was the use for The Selmun Palace?

The villa used to be rented out to knights of the Order of Saint John as a place to relax and hunt wild rabbits, which were commonly found in the area. The rent money contributed to the redemption fund.