Guttenberg Palace

Guttenberg Palace is located on the left-side on entering the square leading to the Our Lady of Mercy chapel (Tal-Hniena). The area, formerly a part of a mediaeval hamlet Hal-Lewq, later incorporated with other similar hamlets, formed the Qrendi parish.

The palace, similar to the Octagonal Tower (Torri Cavalier), served as a fortified residence capable to resist attacks from raiding pirates and corsairs. Surrounding the palace are downward looking (Sloping) windows at first floor level, situated high above the ground, serving as a means of defense. The only window at ground level is so what large and is protected by iron railings.

Nowadays a private residence, the palace was built by the Bailiff Johann Wolfgang von Guttenberg, a Knight of the Order of St John from 1669 till his demise on the 4th December 1733. Serving on the Order's galleys, Guttenberg resided at this palace between voyages.

Guttenberg Christian devotion and generosity is evident at the Tal-Hniema Chapel where one can witness numerous works of art donated to this holy sanctuary, at a time when the sanctuary was renowned throughout the whole island as a centre for prayer and devotion.

Amongst Guttenberg’s many donations, are the paintings of St Mary Magdalene and that of the Crucifixion commissioned in 1690 from Giuseppe d'Andrea Romano. This painting is situated in the Sacristy of this Sanctuary, whilst a considerable number of ex-voto paintings have also been attributed to Guttenberg.

The Holy water urn, the main fore altar (Vent Altar) and a sculpted stone decoration within the sacristy all bear his coat of arms

Bailiff Johann Wolfgang von Guttenberg is buried in St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta in a marked grave.