At an unknown date, Strada San Michelle was cut through
the solid rock to join Marsamxett Street. The position of the
main entrance can still be seen and is located by a window
near to an arched bridge, which is still in existence.
This archway extended the Piano Nobile to the south
along Marsamxett Street, although it has now been incorporated
into a separate tenement and is no longer part of the
original building.
The main entrance to Casa Viani was constructed from the
servants’ entrance, where a handsome porchway and staircase
were built, the latter providing access between the two floors.
Little is known about the occupants of Casa Viani until
some time in the 18th century, when ownership of the house
was taken over by the Treasury.
This was because a law on property stipulated that four-
fifths of a Knight’s property passed into the ownership of the
Knights of Malta when he died.
According to the records of the Order, the house was let to
a Commander Fra Alberto Mirelli from 1767–1784 and again
from 1784–1798 to Conventual Chaplain Fra Giovanni
Domenico Barbaro.
Later the rent books of the Maltese Government record
that the building was the Maltese headquarters of the Eastern
Telegraphy Company from 1879–1901, after which it
remained vacant for six years.
In 1907 the property was leased by W. Bro. Macfarlane as a
Masonic hall and has been in use as such ever since, apart from
a short period during World War Two, when it was badly
damaged by enemy action.
On 16 July 1952, the Masonic Hall Committee signed a
deed for 99 years in Emphyteusis, thus securing the Masonic
Hall at No. 6&7 Marsamxett Street, Valletta until the middle
of the 21st century.
After the final departure of the Royal Navy in 1979,
the number of Lodges using the Masonic Hall for meetings
dwindled to just three, namely the Lodge of St. John and
St. Paul No.349, The Lodge of Count Roger of Normandy
No. 9265, and the St. John and St. Paul Royal Arch Chapter
No.349 EC.
The De Rohan Lodge of Installed Masters No. 9670
was formed in 2000 and in May 2003 the Waller Rodwell
Wright KT Lodge was constituted in London. The first meeting
of this Lodge in Malta was held on 4 October, 2003 at the
Masonic Hall, Valletta.
Malta, at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, is a popular
tourist destination with a diverse range of attractions.
At a recent meeting of the Masonic Hall Committee it
was decided to take advantage of this aspect of the Islands,
and market them as an alternative venue for Masonic bodies
overseas in order to generate extra finances for the Masonic
Hall fund.
This old and unique building is a considerable drain on the
resources of the Masonic Hall, especially as most of the members
are retired from their previous businesses and professions.
Continued...
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Above (top to bottom)
Malta Masonic logo;
Masonic symbolism;
part of the Valetta Masonic Hall
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