Discover Casa Rocca Piccola: Valletta’s Hidden Gem
Nestled in the heart of Malta’s capital, Casa Rocca Piccola is a rare window into the island’s noble past.
While Valletta is famed for its golden sandstone architecture and grand Baroque churches, this 16th-century palace offers something deeply personal: a glimpse into 400 years of Maltese aristocratic life—complete with antique furniture, wartime shelters, and secret passageways.
This was a highlight for us during our time in Malta – so if you’re wondering what to see and do in Valletta, this is a must!

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A Noble Home with a Noble History
Casa Rocca Piccola was built in 1580 by Don Pietro La Rocca, an admiral of the Knights of St. John, during the early days of Valletta’s development – and as part of a broader push to develop Valletta into a fortified Renaissance city following the Great Siege of 1565.
As you step inside, you’ll notice a home that’s been lovingly maintained and filled with family heirlooms, portraits, rare books, and fascinating artifacts that tell stories of war, love, art, and politics.
Unlike many early buildings constructed for military and administrative purposes, Casa Rocca Piccola was designed as a palazzo civile—a private family residence.


At the time, it was considered quite progressive, reflecting the grandeur and influence of the European nobility residing on the island. It was one of the first houses in Valletta to be built with an internal courtyard, which helped to improve ventilation in Malta’s hot summers.
While many historic homes turned into museums, this palazzo is still a privately owned residence, and it’s lived in today by the de Piro family—a noble Maltese lineage with deep cultural and historical ties to the island.


The de Piro family has deep roots in Maltese history, with ancestors who served as commanders, scholars, and cultural patrons.
The current owner, Marquis Nicholas de Piro, is an author and historian who has spent decades restoring the home and preserving its contents as a living legacy of Maltese aristocracy.
Today, it remains a rare and authentic example of Valletta’s original residential architecture, and a testament to the lives of those who shaped Malta from within its elegant stone walls.
Beneath the Surface: A Rare Private WWII Air Raid Shelter
One of the most striking features of Casa Rocca Piccola is its underground air raid shelter, carved 100 feet deep into the limestone beneath the house.
During the relentless bombing of Malta in World War II, Valletta was a key target due to its strategic naval importance. They experienced over 3000 air raids.


While many Maltese citizens sought refuge in communal shelters or tunnels hastily dug beneath streets and public buildings, it was highly unusual for private residences to have their own bomb shelters – especially ones of this size and depth.
The de Piro family had the foresight to excavate their own shelter, which could accommodate around 80 people, including neighbours and staff. This dimly lit chamber tells a very human story of fear, resilience, and solidarity during one of Malta’s darkest chapters.


What You’ll See Inside Casa Rocca Piccola
Stepping inside Casa Rocca Piccola is like flipping through the pages of a living history book – only with way better furniture! You’ll wander through lavish drawing rooms filled with Rococo and Neoclassical flair, elegant silverware, and antiques that once hosted high-society dinners.


Peek into historic archives brimming with old letters, ledgers, and maps that reveal Malta’s dramatic past—from the glory days of the Knights to British colonial rule.
The antique paintings are stunning (I wished I had pieces like these!) and you’ll find numerous religious relics, including a charming private chapel tucked inside the home.


But the biggest surprise is the secret wartime tunnel that leads to a hidden WWII air raid shelter.
After all that intrigue, take a breather in the peaceful courtyard, where citrus trees and trailing vines create a cool, quiet oasis right in the heart of Valletta. Say hi to Kiku, the resident macaw!


Is Casa Rocca Piccola Worth Visiting?
If you’re wondering whether to add Casa Rocca Piccola to your Valletta itinerary, the short answer is yes—especially if you’re drawn to authentic, lesser-known experiences.
🎯 Unique Among Tourist Attractions
While many of Valletta’s top sights are grand public buildings or churches, Casa Rocca Piccola offers something more intimate: a peek into noble Maltese life that’s still unfolding today.
🎟️ Excellent Value for Money
Admission includes a guided tour, often led by friendly and knowledgeable staff—or even a member of the de Piro family! Compared to some larger museums, it’s a great bang for your buck. Plus there’s a free app to download and follow room by room.
📚 A Must for History and Culture Lovers
From antique art to personal war stories, you’ll find layers of Maltese heritage here that you won’t get anywhere else in the city. If you enjoy storytelling, this place is rich in it!
⏱️ A Quick Yet Memorable Visit
The full tour takes around 45 minutes to an hour, making it easy to fit into a busy day of sightseeing in Valletta. You can easily pair it with nearby attractions like St. John’s Co-Cathedral or the Grandmaster’s Palace (and don’t forget 2 for 1 Aperol Spritz at Eddy’s!)
💡 Off the Beaten Path (But Right in the Centre)
Despite being centrally located, Casa Rocca Piccola feels peaceful and uncrowded—ideal for travellers looking to escape the tourist crush without leaving the city.

Who Might Skip It?
If your Malta trip is all about beaches, nightlife, or outdoorsy adventures, this may not be your top priority.
But for those intrigued by history, art, architecture, and personal stories, Casa Rocca Piccola is a hidden gem not to be missed!


Know Before You Go
🕒 Opening Hours: Generally open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guided tours offered throughout the day. It’s best to check their official website for the most up-to-date info.
🎟️ Tickets: Reasonably priced at €10.50, and the guided tour is included—making it one of the best-value cultural experiences in Valletta.
📍 Location: 74 Republic Street, Valletta—a short walk from the Grandmaster’s Palace and Upper Barrakka Gardens.
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