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 The Auberge of Englandwas acquired by Sir Clement West in 1534 close to a small apartment that was occupied by the head of the English langue – who was also the leader of the Order’s infantry.
During those times of England’s Reformation the Langue’s property was confiscated, and despite the Grandmaster’s support, the English Language was unable to have its own Auberge in Valletta when the Order moved there in 1572.
Part of this Auberge still survives in its original condition and now serves as a public library.
 The Auberge of France has a palatial façade with a Melitan moulding, attributed by some to the Italian architect Bartolomeo Genga. The French Knights continued to use the building up until 1586, even though by then they had already moved to their new Auberge in Valletta.
The French Knights were responsible for the supervision and running of the Holy Infirmary.
The Auberge of Auvergne and of Provencehoused the Languages of Auvergne and of Provence in the same building.
The Head (Pelier) of Auvergne was the Order’s Treasurer – responsible for the Treasury which operated from one of the palaces on Marina Wharf.
The Pelier of Provence was responsible for the Polverista as well as all other Ammunition stores.
The Auberge of Germany was located on the Main Square back to back with the Auberge of England.
The Pelier of Germany held the rank of Grand Bailiff since 1428 and was responsible with the guarding of the Order’s foreign territories.
The Auberge of Castille and of Portugal housed the Languages of Castille and Portugal. The Pelier of the Language of the Iberian peninsula, was the Order’s Grand Chancellor and the sole authority to sign documents and affix the seal on all decrees adopted by the Order’s Council.
The Knights of Castille and Portugal defended Mdina against a Turkish attack in 1551, and gave further evidence of their chivalry and courage at the battle of the Post of Castille during the 1565 Siege.
The Auberge of Aragon included the Knights of Novarra. The Pelier of Aragon was the Grand Conservator and was responsible for the purchase and storage of supplies for the Holy Infirmary as well as for the troops.
The Auberge of Italy was built outside the Collachio owing to the naval and maritime commitments of the Language. The Pelier of Italy held the prestigious post of General of the Galleys.
Next to the Auberge, the Italian Language had its own hospital. This stood beside the hospital supervisor’s residence and a small chapel dedicated to St Catherine. It is believed that in front of the Auberge the Italian Knights raised a platform called Il-Ballet. On this dancefloor they organised Malta’s first ever Carnival revelry in 1535. |
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