In what is a new project Heritage Malta, in collaboration with Dhalia Real Estate Services, have opened Villa Guardamangia’s doors to visitors in a virtual manner.
Villa Guardamangia was purchased by the Government of Malta on 5th June 2020 and entrusted to Heritage Malta. The villa is a classic example of a mid-18th century Baroque summer palace. Located at no 49, Guardamangia Hill, Pieta’, the villa was scheduled at Grade 2 by the Planning Authority due to its architectural, cultural and historical value.
In a statement, Heritage Malta said that people can view a virtual 3D experience of this famous villa, as it is physically closed for visitors while extensive restoration works take place.
Villa Guardamangia has a special place in the heart of her majesty the Queen of England. The villa served as the residence of Princess Elizabeth II from 1949 to 1951 when her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was stationed in Malta as an officer of the Royal Navy – captain of HMS Magpie which was moored at Senglea.
Referred to fondly by the Queen as ‘home’, Villa Guardamangia is the only property outside Great Britain in which the royal family has resided. The villa has an area of around 1,500 square metres, and includes eighteen rooms, stables, a large garden, wells, a war-shelter and other facilities.
The 360-degree, virtual platform not only serves as an important visual memory of the past and a documentation of the villa in its present state for posterity, it also provides access to the general public during this period of restoration, besides affording a privileged glimpse into a bygone era, Heritage Malta said
Villa Guardamangia is currently closed to the public as it will be undergoing an extensive process of restoration.
However, Heritage Malta members have been invited to participate in exclusively curated tours of the premises before the works commence.
The next tour is scheduled for 28th August at 18.30. Free admission to museum and sites, discounts and the opportunity to book one-off tours are just some of the many perks of being a Heritage Malta member.
The virtual experience of Villa Guardamangia can be viewed by clicking here.