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ViGiLO - Din l-Art Ħelwa
ISSUE 54 • NOVEMBER 2020
Domus Zamittello
BREATHING LIFE BACK INTO THE STRUCTURE By Edwin Mintoff
The elaborate stone-built defense that is Malta’s capital city Valletta, is one of the most impressive military architectural monuments in Europe and is well-endowed with remarkable buildings, amongst which is Domus Zamittello – a palatial townhouse which enjoys a strategic and prominent position lining the main street which carves through the capital.
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he structure was found to be in a state of considerable disrepair and, through EM Architect’s design implementations, life was breathed back into the derelict structure with its conversion into a boutique hotel. The palazzo, now a boutique hotel of the highest quality known as Domus Zamittello, was originally part of the estate of the Auberge d’Italie. It was written about by Victor Denaro (1959) who noted that in 1716 it was occupied by Comm. Fra Sigismondo Piccolomini after the death of Comm. Fra Vincenzo Galluccia. Our design process, which began more than 17 years ago, concentrated on respecting the integral historic fabric of the building whilst simultaneously improving the façade and interior spaces. Additionally, the project also functions at an urban scale. Its restoration has effectively contributed towards the urban renewal of Valletta and in particular to its immediate surroundings, by restoring the different façades to provide a more homogenous stone profile. The rehabilitated layout was designed to maximize engagement between the edifice and
passers-by. One enters the hotel from Republic Street though large arched doorways which lead directly into the courtyard from the main hall which is decorated by four Tuscan columns. The hotel also has a distinctive openair terrace on the third floor, allowing guests to admire spectacular views of the Gateway to Valletta while overlooking Republic Street. The boutique hotel now accommodates 21 rooms, including six suites. Each individual room has a different layout and therefore all rooms offer a unique charm. Attention to detail and guest comfort was provided in all elements of the hotel design, including but not limited to individually controlled air conditioning, underlying heated and double-glazed windows. The concept governing all design decisions was that of focusing on and exhibiting the historical and cultural layers of this edifice. Constructed out of beautiful, soft globigerina limestone, this palatial townhouse was adorned with elaborate stone carvings and ornamentation. Unfortunately wartime damage, compounded with subsequent careless civil works
