The Kastellan was the man who lived in and was in charge of Fort St. Angelo. From the Middle Ages until the time that the Order transferred to Valletta, Fort St. Angelo had been the official seat of government of the rulers of these islands. The Kastellan was the representative of the ruler of the island of Malta. He built this fortified house as a country residence.
But what was the link between Żejtun and the Kastellan?
One must keep in mind that before 1615, the Parish of St. Catherine (the parish church of which, is today referred to as the Church of St. Gregory) encompassed all the southern area of Malta, that is Żejtun. Żabbar, Xgħajra, Marsascala, Għaxaq, Marsaxlokk and St. George’s Bay. The Parish literally verged on the bastions of Birgu.
Since before the arrival of the Order of St. John in 1530 and even during the Great Siege of 1565, the men who lived in the area of the Parish of St. Catherine, were obliged to defend and protect Fort St. Angelo, as well as the length of the coast from Grand Harbour to Marsaxlokk Bay. As recompense for this responsibility, the relatives of these men had the right to seek shelter within the walls of Fort St. Angelo.
It is evident that the inhabitants of this region had strong links to the Fort. There was even a time when they refused to recognise the Council of Imdina and instead gave their allegiance to the Kastellan. It is also apparent that the Kastellan was so fond of this area that he had this fortified country house built here. In fact, the corbels along the roof parapet are none other than holes through which boiling water could be thrown down on attackers. Similar ones can be seen in one of the towers at San Pawl tat-Tarġa in Naxxar.
Other places of interest in close proximity:
Chapel of Santa Marija, Ħal Tmin
Renaissance House, Taltas Street
Location Map
PLAKKASTORJA 