Bighi hospital is composed of a number of blocks constructed in the immediate vicinity of Villa Bighi on the Kalkara peninsula. The site was identified by Sir Alexander Ball who was the Civil Commissioner in Malta at the time and recommended by Lord Nelson.

The first stone of the hospital was laid in 1830 to designs by Col George Whitmore. The construction of the wings was completed in September 1832. Additional blocks were added in the first years of the 20th century including the lift cot. Parts of the hospital were damaged during World War II owing to the location of the hospital in the Grand Harbour. Bighi Hospital stopped being used as such in September 1970.

A number of other buildings are included in the precinct of the scheduling including the Chaplain’s quarters (used by the chaplain in charge of the hospital) and its annex, a number of structures at sea level for treatment of patients, a guardroom and other blocks that were ancillary to its original use.

Mepa scheduled Bighi Hospital and ancillary structures as a Grade 2 national monument as per government notice 22 dated January 10, 2012.