Sacra Infermeria stands on Mediterranean Street in Valletta, Malta. It was once the hospital of the Knights, and today it houses the Mediterranean Conference Centre, so a visit here combines a look at a substantial Baroque building with the life of a working conference venue.
What you will see
The building is massive and is valued as an example of functional Baroque architecture, where the design serves the purpose of the place as much as its appearance. Its scale alone gives a sense of how much care went into a hospital for the Order of St John.
- The architecture, read as a clear expression of Baroque design with a practical purpose
- The former Great Ward, which was considered one of Europe's finest hospital wards in its time
- The building's continued use, now as a conference centre rather than a museum
Planning your visit
Because the building is still used for conferences, it works best as a stop within a walk around Valletta rather than as a destination on its own. The city's compact streets and historic setting make it easy to combine with other sights nearby. Check ahead whether the interior is open to visitors on the day you plan to come, since access depends on the centre's events.
