the building, it was entrusted to the care of the Vittoriosa local council, transforming it into a hive of activity: it hosted a variety of lectures and educational programmes; it served as venue for social and cultural gatherings; once its vaulted entrance hall and piano nobile were used for a magnificent exhibition on the Order of St John organised by the Fort St Angelo Resident Knight, Fra John Critien, which drew a considerable number of students and visitors.

Then the local council was abruptly evicted and the auberge was closed as it still is to this day! A couple of years ago it was announced with a flourish that it would be turned into a Muzew tal-Lingwa Maltija. We do have an active Kunsill Nazzjonali ta’ I-Ilsien Malti, but it does not seem to be interested in setting up the language museum. Indeed, only a few days ago, the kunsill organised a national conference on the Maltese language but it chose to hold it at a Sliema hotel rather than at this historic building.

We ask: who is responsible for the Auberge de France at Vittoriosa: is it the Kunsill Nazzjonali ta’ 1-Ilsien Malti? Is it Heritage Malta? Is it the Superintendent of National Heritage? One thing is certain: the longer it is kept closed and not looked after, the more likely it will become prone to irreparable damage. It is a pity that such an architectural edifice has not attracted the attention of the local French Embassy.

Lorenzo Zahra

Secretary

Historical & Cultural Society

Vittoriosa