The private residence of former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff and an 18th-century building in Tarxien have been given the highest level of protection as Grade 1 buildings by the Planning Authority.
The detached villa of the former Prime Minister is built in a modernist style and is characterised by a re-interpretation of traditional Maltese elements. Designed by Perit Mintoff himself, the building which is surrounded by substantial grounds carries a number of architectural detailing with a number of high moulded pilasters with finials and rusticated wall planes.
The main gate was also purposely designed to complement the rest of the building, the Planning Authority said in a statement. The villa which fronts Triq Xintill and Triq Joanne Garden was Perit Mintoff’s private residence, having lived in it throughout his tenure as Prime Minister up until his death. During his time as Prime Minister, Perit Mintoff hosted a number of visiting foreign dignitaries in this residence.
The building has been scheduled as Grade 1 in view of its architectural value as well as its historical, political and social significance associated with the person of Perit Mintoff.
An adjacent free-standing vernacular building, known as Dar tal-Kejka was also scheduled as a Grade 1 building in view of its architectural and historical value. The site was originally acquired by a certain Guzeppi Abela, a local wealthy benefactor with the intention of constructing a Capuchin convent, but this was never carried out. The two elaborate niches on the eastern and southern facade clearly point to the use of the building for religious purposes. Also known as 'The Hermit's Monastery', the interior of the building has some interesting features including the stone corbels that are decorated with floral motifs. The building is today used by the Local Council as a cultural centre and by the Tarxien Scouts Group as their official premises.