Located in the Mediterranean Island of Malta, on the southern coastal village of Kalkara, Villa Bighi is one of the finest examples of 17th Century neo-classical architecture on the Islands.
Villa Bighi affords breath-taking views of the natural harbour of Valletta. The Grand Harbour is the third largest natural harbour in Europe as is grand both by name and by nature. It has been a focal point in the historical development of the Maltese Islands, due to its ample size for ships to enter and moor as well as it’s geographical importance in the middle of the Mediterranean. The Ottoman Empire, the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, the French and the British have all interwoven their threads into the loom that is Malta’s regal history.
Villa Bighi is one of the most iconic buildings on the 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 18th Century it became known as the Royal Naval Hospital Bighi. The combined efforts of Sir George Whitmore, Salvatore Xerri and Gaetano Xerri resulted in the stunning structures of the Royal Naval Hospital Bighi, which still today overlooks the Grand Harbour with pride.
In the 1970’s the Royal Navy vacated the premises and since then parts of the hospital were briefly used to house a technical school, the East wing and Surgical block repurposed as restoration laboratories and offices for the Malta Centre for Restoration, whilst the original villa itself was restored and became the administration offices for the Malta Council for Science and Technology.
In 2010 a project was initiated by Malta’s government for the transformation of the West Wing, Zymotic, 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. 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 overlooking the Grand Harbour for anyone wishing to enjoy its glorious charm, esteemed architecture and inspiring views.
It has been recently 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 on Malta’s Grand Harbour.
Providing for rental a wide array of spaces, including meeting rooms, a conference hall, open-air gardens and extensive terraces where to host events year-round. Villa Bighi can accommodate up to 1,000 persons standing and 600 persons seated.
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 for MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conference and Event) groups.
Villa Bighi is adjacent to the world class national interactive science centre ESPLORA, which is a leading visitor attraction locally and one of the largest in Europe.
For more information kindly download the below brochure:
Take a look at our Venue using our Virtual Tour Guide
Subscribe to our blog for exclusive event offers and updates.
