The building ‘Karrejja Causi’ or otherwise known as ‘Casa Causi’ was originally built in the 1500’s by the Nobel Testaferrata family. Throughout its history, the nobility endowed many churches, built many fine Palazzi and patronised the arts. This home was a statement of grandeur. Split across five floors it was decorated with the finest of furnishings, paintings, jewellery and objects d’art. There was even a tunnel built in the basement which lead under Valletta and out to the grand palace.
Given Malta’s turbulent history, it is a miracle that Karrejja Causi has remained unscathed. Over the 400 years it has been standing, it has certainly seen a lot. From the grand 16th century Palazzi it once was, to the separate apartments or ‘Karrejja’ it has become, there is an overwhelming sense of history. The building even featured in Alan Parker's ‘Midnight Express in 1978.
With tenants disappearing over the decades and with little work done to maintain it, the building became a living museum, frozen in time, haunted by neglect and full of memories and treasures.