PA greenlights conversion of historic Mdina palazzo to boutique hotel

An application to convert a historic Grade 1 palazzo in Mdina into a boutique hotel has been approved, despite objections centred on heritage impacts and concerns over the city’s tranquillity. 

Palazzo Mangion will be rehabilitated and converted into a 10-room hotel by AP Valletta architects on behalf of owner Justin Zammit Tabona, following a case officer’s recommendation in favour of the project.  

The palazzo, a centuries-old property located within Mdina’s Urban Conservation Area, is considered one of the city’s architecturally significant buildings.

The decision comes after a number of objections were filed during the application process, including one on heritage grounds arguing that a Grade 1 scheduled building should be subject to absolute protection.

The objector contended that the internal alterations, additions and the installation of a lift would undermine the building’s historic fabric and that converting it into a hotel would be incompatible with conservation policies. 

Residents from nearby Triq Inguanez also raised concerns about the impact of the development on Mdina’s character, warning that the change of use could lead to increased noise, activity and service traffic in the Silent City.

While welcoming the restoration of the property, they urged the authority to impose strict conditions to regulate construction works and hotel operations, particularly in line with Mdina’s controlled vehicular access system.

The Planning Authority case officer acknowledged the concerns in his report, but concluded that they had been adequately addressed.

A noise assessment indicated that operational levels would remain within acceptable limits, while Transport Malta did not object to the project, subject to conditions. 

Crucially, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, which had initially raised concerns about the impact of the lift and roof-level structures on the historic fabric, ultimately withdrew its objections after revisions to the plans.

It concluded that the proposal was compatible with the building’s character and values, provided that strict restoration methods and monitoring conditions are followed.

Sensitive rehabilitation

The case officer described the project as a "sensitive approach to the adaptive reuse of the building, ensuring that its architectural integrity and cultural value are retained while introducing a sustainable new function".

The officer argued that the hotel use aligns with planning policies that encourage the restoration of underutilised heritage properties, particularly where projects enhance public access and the visitor experience in Mdina.

The proposed interventions include internal alterations, the installation of a lift to improve accessibility and limited roof-level additions, which were deemed the least intrusive solution and not visually harmful to Mdina’s skyline.

The development will also be subject to a series of conditions, including monitoring by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and a €30,000 bank guarantee to ensure works are carried out in line with approved restoration methods.

A financial contribution will also be required to offset a shortfall in parking provision.

12th-century origins

The palazzo has medieval origins. It includes one of the largest open inner courtyards in Mdina, a main salon that spans the building’s width and its own chapel.

Most of its current structure is owed to Canon Francesco Mangion, 12th Signore di Nigret, who remodelled and expanded the building after acquiring neighbouring properties in the late 17th century.

One of the chambers that Canon Mangion integrated into his residence was the Chapel of Santa Croce, which, according to architect Edward Said, is “undoubtedly one of the most interesting and finely-preserved pieces of late-gothic architecture in the Maltese Islands”. 

The first floor, reached through a grand staircase, includes various large rooms which once served as living quarters. There is also a cluster of rooms abutting the piazzetta and overlying the remissa. Most of the rooms on the first floor are decorated with wall frieze paintings.

The building once served as temporary quarters to three sisters of St Dorothy, who had been exiled from Portugal. During World War II, around 60 RAF pilots and other personnel were billeted at the palazzo.

This is not the first time conversion of an Mdina palazzo has raised objections; in January, it emerged that db Group was planning to house a Starbucks cafe inside Palazzo Santa Sofia. Those plans were later put on hold.