Grade 1 protected Palazzo Marnisi on sale for €10 million

On Thursday, the Planning Authority (PA), in collaboration with the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, granted Palazzo Marnisi the highest level of protection as a Grade 1 property, which is currently on sale for €10 million

Grade 1 property status recognises the property’s historical, architectural and social significance.

“The scheduling of Palazzo Marnisi as a Grade 1 property comes at a time when the Planning Authority is marking 30 years of safeguarding historic structures across the islands, from grand estates like this palazzo to diverse structures including modern buildings, military fortifications and industrial structures,” the PA said.

Notably, Palazzo Marnisi once belonged to lateral thinker Edward de Bono and has been on sale for at least 10 months. The property was granted a conservation order from the superintendence after an earlier inspection had revealed that the palazzo suffered extensive vandalism, squatting and abandonment.

The palazzo, situated in the area above the bay of Marsaxlokk was described by the PA as “a remarkable example of 17th century Maltese architecture and aristocratic heritage.”

It was built in 1650 by Giacomo Testaferrata de Robertis the Capitano della Verga, who had inherited the estate through his marriage to the great-granddaughter of Ugolino Bonnici, the original founder of the estate.

The estate features a private chapel dedicated to Saint Domenic and is adorned with significant architectural features, including sculpted benches, balustrades, and classical columns that give it a stately presence.

Two prominent coat of arms, those of Testaferrata and Giovanni Francesco Abela, Chaplain and Vice-Chancellor of the Order of St John, decorate the courtyard, further highlighting its historic and social significance and linking it to these two significant families.

The building’s layout and design reflect an architectural style synonymous for noble residences of the period, embodying the fortified, introspective approach to construction prevalent in rural Maltese villas at the time, highlighting the importance of safety at the time.

Its façade includes a grand staircase leading directly from the courtyard to the Piano Nobile.

Still on sale

It is said that Edward De Bono rented the palazzo for many years and even served as his registered address in Malta. Despite living abroad for the majority of his life, he spent his final years in Malta, in a residence in Rabat.

In the property listing, the property is said to be complemented with landscaped gardens, a pool area spacious terraces and 16 tumoli of land.

The stunning architectural gem also includes large, vaulted rooms, a dining room a drawing room, and five bedrooms.

Other listings saw it priced at €8 million, describing it as a blank canvas waiting for its new owner to add their personal touch.