One of the first auberges to
be built in Valletta was the one for the Spanish provinces of Aragon, Catalonia
and Navarre. Construction of the Auberge d'Aragon began in 1571 after
Cassar's plans. The auberge is situated in Archbishop Street on the Marsamxett
Harbour side and has a piazza in front. It is the only Valletta auberge that has
survived in its almost original state.
However, there is a reason why the Auberge d'Aragon was never modified: It was only meant as a temporary accommodation for the Spanish knights, and a larger hostel was planned closer to the centre of Valletta. This also explains the extreme plainness of the one-storey building.
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It
is rectangular in plan with a central courtyard surrounded by
asymmetrically placed and interconnecting rooms. The entrance of the auberge
lies almost in the centre of the main facade. It opens to the entrance hall with
a coffered barrel-vault and a flight of stairs, which lead to the courtyard with
arcades.
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