Palazzo Testaferrata is recorded by the Balzan Local Council as built in 1760 by the Testaferrata noble family as a summer residence, standing near the corner of Balzan’s Main Street (Triq il-Kbira) and Sant’Antnin Street.
Built during the 18th century, Palazzo Testaferrata began life as a noble summer residence and later became one of Balzan’s most recognisable civic buildings. Its long public-service story is part of what makes it notable: the building’s functions expanded well beyond private residence into education and government administration.
Palazzo Testaferrata is significant not only as an 18th-century noble residence, but also for how it was repeatedly adapted for public life. One notable moment came during World War II: after damage to Valletta’s main court building, the law courts were temporarily relocated outside Valletta, including to Palazzo Testaferrata in Balzan.