THE GUARENA PALACE

Researching into the Order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem and Malta we learn that a certain member of the Order, Bailiff Fra Pietro Francesco Rovero De Guarena had in the latter part of the eighteenth century (c.1740-50), acquired a considerable piece of land located on the brow of the hill known as it-tela’ tal-Grazzja close to the road between Qrendi and the Neolithic Temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra.

The acquired land was known as ‘Il-Kontrada tal-Grazzja’ upon which this noble knight built his palace surrounded by fruit and ornamental gardens. The design of this palace was to serve as a fortified residence at a time when Arab corsairs and pirate’s frequently attacked and plundered the countryside stealing farm produce and livestock whilst capturing the local inhabitants to be sold in slavery or to serve on their own galleys. The spectacular views of its surroundings clearly indicate the reason why this nobleman opted to build his home in such a beautiful and tranquil environment.

The Guarena Palace, an unassuming, square-shaped fortress-residence consists of two stories with the lower story being much larger than the one above. The entrance is typical of the Maltese houses of the time with its size being relatively small when compared to the palaces or residences of the Order of St John. Its windows are relatively small in size and are found in high ground possibly to allow light to enter but serve as a detriment to any would-be attackers.

The Palace’s entrance ceiling is barrel shaped in which one can find a monumental stone stairway, typical of the palaces of the same era found in Valletta. The stone handrail rests on stone banisters. The upper storey consists of lesser rooms however their doorways are much larger than those found on the first storey. It seems that the idea of the defense of the building was wavered in lieu of comfort as such doorways allowed its rooms to be much cooler in the hot summer months. The upper storey leads into the back gardens where one can admire numerous citrus trees. On top of the second storey one can find a small but significant observation turret possibly to observe any movements from any invaders or corsairs.

Pietro Francesco Federico Roero di Guarena was born at Vezza, a locality in the neighborhood of Asti (in Piedmont, Italy), on 16 October 1679, to Traiano Andrea Roero, Count of Vezza and Seigneur of Guarena, and Countess Delfina Maria Rana. He was received within the ranks of the Order of St John as a minor on 24 August 1688 at the time of Grandmaster Carafa, most probably as a page owing to his tender age. His outstanding career glowed with achievements of fame and fortune. He was invested a “Knight Grand Cross” on 23 January 1731, and assigned the Bailiwick of Venus (“inter alias”) on 7 September1745. His most prestigious appointments include: Commissioner of the Fortifications (1735), Lieutenant Grand Master (1741), Admiral (1741), Commissioner of the mint (1742) and Commissioner of Health (1743).

Amongst the many outstanding donations presented by distinguished benefactors to the Conventual Church of St John is one particular “oeuvre” which stands out both for its striking beauty and exquisite workmanship. Reference is obviously being made to the splendid silver screen especially crafted to adorn the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament – formerly dedicated to the Madonna of Philermo – that ranks among the best-known treasures in Malta.

This rich and costly endowment was partially financed by Guarena himself through a handsome donation of Scudi 3,000 on 14 January 1751, in token of his devotion to the Blessed Virgin of Philermo. His generous contribution helped in no small way to defray the outstanding expense which had stalled the unfinished work, as the proceeds lifted earlier from the “Spoils” (funds derived from the estates of a deceased knight) of the Bailiff Guillaume de la Salle, following his demise in 1739, had proved quite insufficient to meet the projected costs.

The silver enclosure was eventually completed and fitted in 1752, replacing an older bronze chancel-screen previously erected by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, then transferred to the chapel of the Blessed Relics on the opposite side of the church. The silver doors separating the presbytery from the atrium are mounted with the arms of the Order and those of the reigning Grand Master Emanuel Pinto de Fonseca. History tells us that this silver gate was painted in black during the French occupation of Malta between 1798 and 1800 in order to avoid its pilferage.

It is highly improbable that Guarena lived to see the assembled masterpiece “in situ” as he passed away on 5th April 1752, aged 73, following a year –long infirmity. His mortal remains were laid to rest beneath the “magnificent carpet of soft-hued mosaics”, within an unmarked grave facing the Chapel of Germany.

With the dispersal of the Knight following Bonaparte’s invasion of Malta, all the property of the Order was seized by the French, later devolving to the British Government. Eventually, Guarena Palace was put up for sale and sold to the public in 1811, and has since changed ownership often.

One of the first Maltese owners of this magnificent palace was the noble family of Sant Cassia. A prominent Sant Cassia family from the mother’s side was the famous Colonel George Curmi. One of the most recent residents of this magnificent residence was the noble Dame Cecilia Pick, a former descendent of the De Piro d’Amico Inguanez family prior to her marriage.

Dame Cecilia Pick’s sons are prominent honorary presidents and benefactors of the two Qrendi band club societies, the Saint Mary Band Club and Lourdes Band Club. A beautiful and ornamental garden and playground at “tal-Warda”, a prominent area in Qrendi, was named ‘Gnien Dame Cecilia Pick’ in remembrance of this great benefactor.