British soldiers were billetted in this villa when the British navy anchored in Marsaxlokk Bay, so that together with the Portuguese navy, it could give the Maltese a helping hand against the French during the blockade between 1798 and 1800. It originally belonged to Count Agostino Formosa de Fremaux, a nobleman who had served as the Consul to Holland during the period of the Order.
Agostino Formosa de Fremaux had been a close friend of Grand Master Hompesch, but at the same time he had worked to facilitate the arrival of the French in Malta. For this reason, the two villas he owned in Żejtun were requisitioned for public use during the French blockade.
During the period of use by the British soldiers, the villa sustained damage. Various reports were made by Michele Cachia as architect, wherein he asked, on behalf of the owners, for reparation from the British, after the latter had taken over the government of Malta.
This villa, known today as Villa Arrigo, is of historical and architectural importance. One can find an article by Lola Sammut about the architecture of this villa, previously known as Casamento 77, in Treasures of Malta, Vol.3, Nr.3. The article also contains various photographs of the rooms, as well as the garden and the chapel contained within.
Other places of interest in close proximity:
Testaferrata Gate, Triq M’Xlokk
Location Map
PLAKKASTORJA 