The Sacra Infermeria

Mediterranean Conference Centre

The great hospital built by the knights in the 16th century was a hospital with the highest level of healthcare available in Europe at the time for men, both rich and poor, with non-contagious diseases (contagious disease patients were placed elsewhere, such as Manoel Island). Originally, it had two long corridors with private curtain-covered beds placed at an angle with ventilation holes leading to a courtyard garden filled with citrus trees and herbal plants. The top floors were mostly destroyed during World War II, including the upper ward. Since then, the courtyard garden was replaced with a 1400-seat theatre. In 1991, this theatre was used for reporters to receive and ask questions during the peace treaty signing between Gorbachev and George Bush Sr. Since its rebuilding, it now functions as a conference centre for large events, including G7 summits and extravagant weddings. It is rarely open to the public, though guided tour tickets can be purchased alongside The Malta Experience.

• outdoors

Website

mcc.com.mt (opens in a new tab)