History

Villa Bighi sits proudly on the edge of the peninsula of the southern coastal village of Kalkara with breath-taking views of the natural Grand Harbour of Valletta as well as the imposing forts of St Angelo and St Elmo and is one of the finest examples of 17th Century neo-classical architecture on the Islands. The Maltese Islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino are located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and North Africa and boast a noble history dating back at least 7,000 years.

Villa Bighi is one of the most iconic buildings on the majestic Grand Harbour vista. The central original villa was originally intended as a summer residence for Fra Giovanni Bichi in 1675, however further to its expansion by the British in the early 19th Century it became known as the Royal Naval Hospital Bighi.  The combined efforts of Sir George Whitmore, Salvatore and Gaetano Xerri resulted in the innovative and stunning structures of the Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, the design of the building was crucial in halting the spread of disease by focusing on aspects such as the sea air circulation and incorporating rounded edges on the walls so that dirt and dust could not fester, in fact, of all the patients that were too sick for their ships doctors, RNH Bighi had only an incredible 4% mortality rate.

In the 1970s the Royal Navy vacated the premises and since then parts of the hospital were briefly used to house a technical school as well as other projects but were eventually left to ruin.

In 2010 a project was initiated by Malta’s government for the transformation of the West Wing, Zymotic block, Cot Lift, Chaplin’s House and Mental Ward into a National Interactive Science Centre, now known as ESPLORA. This project has been under the wings of the Malta Council for Science and Technology since its inception and is now a leading local attraction and one of the largest interactive science centres in Europe. The original Villa Bighi continues to house the administration of the Malta Council for Science and Technology.

Nowadays Villa Bighi also functions as a stunning event venue for anyone wishing to enjoy its glorious charm, esteemed architecture and breath-taking views. It has been refurbished and repurposed and given a new lease of life as a top-notch event venue, to be rented by anyone wishing to organise an event in one of most history-rich buildings.

Choices can be made from a wide array of spaces for glorious weddings of any size, inspirational meeting rooms, a vast conference hall, stunning open-air gardens and extensive terraces where to host events year-round.

The venue is particularly sought after for weddings, corporate events, conferences and also cultural events, particularly due to its unique personality and architectural beauty. Villa Bighi also features full facilities to cater to MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conference and Event) groups.

For more information kindly download the brochure: Villa Bighi Brochure or Take a look at our Venue using our Virtual Tour Guide