Casa Rocca Piccola
Step into a 16th-century noble Maltese home, exploring 50+ rooms filled with history, art, and a fascinating WWII bomb shelter.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate
Casa Rocca Piccola
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a 16th-century noble Maltese home, exploring 50+ rooms filled with history, art, and a fascinating WWII bomb shelter.
"A wonderful experience! Marquis de Pro one of the noble family members spoke to us."
Audio Guide is Key
Don't skip the audio guide! It's packed with fascinating details about the family and history. :iphone:
Mind the Shelter Mud
Be careful in the bomb shelter; it can be muddy and might stain loose clothing. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WWII Bomb Shelter
Underneath the palace
Descend into a fascinating WWII shelter, once home to hundreds during air raids. A stark reminder of history.
Noble Family's Private Rooms
Throughout the palace
Explore over 50 lavish rooms filled with antique furniture, portraits, and unique collections, offering a glimpse into noble life.
Terrace Cafe
Palace terrace
Enjoy a coffee or light snack in a charming, intimate cafe set on a beautiful terrace within the palace grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
3 day trip to Valletta
Audio Guide is Key
Don't skip the audio guide! It's packed with fascinating details about the family and history. :iphone:
Mind the Shelter Mud
Be careful in the bomb shelter; it can be muddy and might stain loose clothing. :athletic_shoe:
Off the Beaten Path
Located slightly downhill, it's often less crowded than central Valletta sites. :world_map:
Meet the Family
You might even meet a noble family member sharing stories! :bustsinsilhouette:
Tips
from all over the internet
Audio Guide is Key
Don't skip the audio guide! It's packed with fascinating details about the family and history. :iphone:
Mind the Shelter Mud
Be careful in the bomb shelter; it can be muddy and might stain loose clothing. :athletic_shoe:
Off the Beaten Path
Located slightly downhill, it's often less crowded than central Valletta sites. :world_map:
Meet the Family
You might even meet a noble family member sharing stories! :bustsinsilhouette:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Casa Rocca Piccola for its authentic, lived-in feel and the fascinating insights into noble Maltese life. The WWII bomb shelter is a standout feature, offering a poignant historical perspective. The knowledgeable guides and detailed audio tours are highly appreciated, making it a worthwhile and engaging experience.
"Really nice private casa and there was no queue. It's a bit further down the hill than the usual touristy places so we had it almost to ourselves. The guide was brilliant and we could take our time admiring the place. But the most exciting thing about the house was the WWII shelter room under the house! They said that sometimes they were up to 200 people down there which was a lot!"
Helene Kristensen
"A wonderful experience! Marquis de Pro one of the noble family members spoke to us. He was kind and filled us in on historical items in the home. The bomb shelter and rooms were awesome."
Blanca Alcudia
"Definitely worth a visit if you are nosey and like trinkets and portraits. The house is not very big but each room is packed with things. The audio guide is nicely organised and detailed without being too long. There is a cute tiny cafe inside on the terrace. The bomb shelter is also interesting but beware there will be mud and you will get it all over yourself if you are wearing anything long and loose."
Dana Oliynik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Casa Rocca Piccola is located in Valletta, Malta. It's a pleasant walk from the main attractions, situated a bit further down the hill. Many visitors find it easily accessible on foot as part of a day exploring the city.
Valletta is well-served by buses, and while there isn't a stop directly at the palace, you can easily walk from the main bus terminal or other central stops within the city.
Given Valletta's compact size (around 1 sqm), walking is the most enjoyable way to reach Casa Rocca Piccola. It allows you to soak in the city's atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While advance booking isn't always mandatory, it's a good idea, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. Check their official website for the most up-to-date information on ticketing and tour times.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Casa Rocca Piccola website before your visit. They are typically open during daytime hours.
Admission fees apply for tours. The cost is generally reasonable and includes access to the palace and its collections. Check their website for current pricing.
Casa Rocca Piccola offers guided tours, often led by members of the noble family themselves, or audio guides that provide in-depth information about the history and contents of the house.
Reviews suggest that Casa Rocca Piccola often has shorter queues compared to more central attractions, especially if you visit earlier in the day or on weekdays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll explore over 50 rooms filled with antique furniture, portraits, silverware, and unique collections that showcase the history of the noble family. The WWII bomb shelter is a significant highlight.
Yes, the audio guide is highly recommended by visitors. It provides detailed and engaging information about the house and its contents without being too long.
The bomb shelter is a fascinating and sobering part of the tour. It's an underground space that could accommodate many people during air raids. Be mindful of potential mud.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check on-site or their website for specific rules regarding photography inside the palace rooms.
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend in each room and listening to the audio guide.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a charming little cafe located on a terrace within the palace grounds, offering a pleasant spot for refreshments.
The cafe typically offers light snacks, coffee, and drinks, providing a relaxing break during your visit.
While primarily a cafe for refreshments, it's a great spot for a light lunch or a coffee break. For full meals, there are many restaurants in Valletta.
📸 📸 Photography
The ornate rooms, antique collections, and the charming terrace cafe offer beautiful photo opportunities. The exterior architecture is also picturesque.
Photography rules can change, so it's advisable to confirm on-site. Some areas might restrict flash photography or photography altogether to preserve the artifacts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure children have space to move and explore without feeling overwhelmed. The terrace cafe also provides a pleasant spot for a family break. Remember to advise children to be mindful of the artifacts and the potential for mud in the shelter.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay special attention to the WWII bomb shelter, a critical piece of Malta's wartime narrative. The palace itself, with its architecture and preserved interiors, is a testament to the evolution of noble residences over time. This is a destination that rewards a deeper dive into its historical context.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Its location, slightly removed from the busiest tourist spots, offers a more peaceful and reflective experience. You can easily spend a couple of hours immersing yourself in the history and art, perhaps followed by a quiet moment at the terrace cafe.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Piece of History
Visitors often highlight the authenticity of the experience. Unlike some historical sites that can feel sterile, Casa Rocca Piccola retains a warm, lived-in atmosphere. The sheer volume of items in each room – described as 'packed with things' – contributes to this feeling. It’s this blend of historical significance and personal touch that makes a visit so memorable.
The Unforgettable WWII Shelter
One of the most talked-about features is the WWII bomb shelter located beneath the palace. This underground space, which could house up to 200 people, offers a stark and powerful contrast to the opulent rooms above. It’s a visceral reminder of Malta's wartime experiences and a testament to the resilience of its people. Be prepared for a slightly rugged environment down there; some visitors note it can be muddy.
Navigating Your Visit
When it comes to understanding the palace's rich history, the audio guide is a highly recommended companion. It's described as detailed and well-organized, providing context for the vast array of objects and stories within the house without being overly long. This allows you to explore at your own pace while still gaining deep insights.
For a moment of relaxation, don't miss the charming terrace cafe. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee or a light snack amidst the historic surroundings, offering a tranquil break before or after your tour.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit