Tracing its origins to the 16th century, Domus Zamittello is a meticulously restored palazzo that has witnessed the rise and fall of knights, barons, counts, and noble families. Its storied walls now welcome discerning guests into the refined lifestyle of Valletta’s aristocratic past.
The original palazzo, then known as Casa Pensa, was built around this time during the early construction of Valletta by a wealthy Italian family.
Casa Pensa was sold to Italian knights belonging to the Order of St John, who had the convenience of having the Auberge d'Italie around the corner.
After the knights were evicted by the French and the British took control of the island, Auditore Giuseppe Nicolo Zamit took ownership of Casa Pensa, and the building became known as Palazzo Zamittello. Auditore Giuseppe Nicolo Zamitt was knighted in 1818. He was also a respected judge and invested as a Knight Commander into the Order of St Michael and St George.
Sir Giuseppe Zamitt passed away and was later interred in St John's Co-Cathedral – one of the few Maltese buried among the Knights of St John. A large monument to honour him was later erected at Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Baron Azopardi, who had married Sir Giuseppe Zamitt's daughter Maria Theresa, wrote his well-known work "La Presa di Malta e Gozo: dalla Repubblica Francese" in this very palazzo.
The palazzo enjoyed continuity as a private residence in the Azopardi family. In 1889, the Noble Angolina Azopardi – sister of the Baron (Filipino Azopardi, 6th Baron of Buleben) –married Count Francesco Manduca (6th Count of Mont 'Alto).
Baron Filipino Azopardi died in 1939 with no heirs, so the property was passed down the Manduca lineage. The palazzo continued to be used as a private residence, until the start of World War II in 1940. It was severely damaged in the heavy bombing of Valletta (and the destruction of the adjacent Royal Opera House in 1942).
The Palazzo fell into disrepair. The rooms on street level were rented out as independent commercial units at street level, while the upper floors remained derelict for years.
Nine generations later, the current owner, Count Alfred Manduca, a descendant of the Zamitt family, inherited the property as it had remained in the family lineage. Extensive and complex renovations began to transform the historic palazzo into the elegant Domus Zamittello boutique hotel, with a vision to restore the building’s soul and allow guests to experience the lifestyle of a noble family home in one of the most prestigious parts of Valletta. Over the next few years, the interior was carefully restored, uncovering original features like the courtyard well and adding modern amenities while preserving the palazzo’s incredible historic character.
Domus Zamittello finally opened its doors in February 2018 after an extensive five-year renovation project, and it has since become an award-winning 4-star heritage boutique hotel and a treasured, stylish landmark.
As a family-run hotel, nothing would make us happier than for you to enjoy your stay in our home.
Meet our dedicated hospitality artisans. From our attentive butlers to our welcoming concierge, each embodies Domus Zamittello’s noble spirit, ensuring every moment is infused with impeccable service and authentic Maltese charm. With a passion for curating timeless experiences, our team takes pride in upholding the palazzo’s storied legacy while delivering modern hospitality excellence. We all look forward to welcoming you!
From Deluxe Rooms to Signature Suites, there is a variety from which to choose during your stay at Domus Zamittello, Valletta.
© 2024 Domus Zamitello.
Zamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor Coleridge Zamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor Coleridge Zamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor Coleridge Zamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor Coleridge Zamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor Coleridge Zamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor Coleridge Zamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor Coleridge Zamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor ColeridgeZamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor Coleridge Zamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor Coleridge Zamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor Coleridge Zamitt was a Superior Judge of the Law Courts as well as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. Besides being an acclaimed legislator and man of letters, he was also Pro-Secretary to Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Look for the portrait at the lobby of the hotel
