Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 January, 2024 at 11:31 am by Andre Camilleri
Important development impulse for Vittoriosa and the Grand Harbour
Vittoriosa will get a new go-to-place for tourists from all over the world in 2024. In 2016 the German Qcoon Real Estate acquired the Palace of the Captains of the Galleys, which is steeped in history and had previously lain dormant for decades. Since then, the project developer has carried out extensive historical research in close coordination with the authorities, renovated the building and completed the structural work. In the coming months, the interior of the Palace of the Captains of the Galleys will be completed. In 2024, the Cugó Gran Vittoriosa, an exquisite hotel with 18 individually designed suites, will open within the historic walls. The hotel will be operated by the IBB Hotel Collection, a subsidiary of Malta based Von der Heyden Group, which also manages the Cugó Gran Macina Malta Hotel and IBB Hotel Palazzo Bettina right next door.
“2024 is the year,” says Bastian Große Halbuer from project developer Qcoon Real Estate GmbH. “The Cugó Gran Vittoriosa will open its doors in the historic Palace of the Captains of the Galleys. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world who will contribute to the revitalisation of the peninsula with the “three cities” and the Grand Harbour. We, Qcoon Real Estate, have carried out the renovation of the 18th century building over the past few years. With the IBB Hotel Collection, we have found a very experienced hotel management company with an excellent local network. We are therefore convinced that the building will give Vittoriosa and its neighbouring towns a noticeable urban development impulse.”
“The Cugó Gran Vittoriosa will complete the IBB Hotel Collection offer in two of the three cities, Senglea and Birgu, referred to Vittoriosa”, mentioned Samuel Santos, CEO of IBB Hotel Collection. “We are delighted to enrich the Maltese hotel market and to be a great part in the further development of Birgu with the new hotel Cugó Gran Vittoriosa. The location of the boutique hotel is ideal for travelers who want to discover local life, the Maltese gastronomy and history, and feel at home.”
Vittoriosa: full of history and life
The new Cugó Gran Vittoriosa Hotel in the Palace of the Captains of the Galleys opens in one of the most historic areas on Malta’s north-east coast. It is located on the headland with the “three cities” that reaches deep into the Grand Harbour Bay. Guests from all over the world can immerse themselves in Malta’s history by visiting the world-famous Fort St. Angelo: Because of its strategically favourable location, the small fishing village of Birgu was chosen by the Order of St John as Malta’s capital for a few decades in 1532. When the Turks attacked Malta in 1565, Birgu played a decisive role in the successful defence with its Fort St. Angelo – hence the honorary name “Vittoriosa”, “the victorious one”. Today, in addition to locals, artists and small cafés make the town a feel-good place. The historical richness of Birgu appears particularly vivid when residents illuminate the historic squares and buildings in soft candlelight.
Cugó Gran Vittoriosa (Malta)
The Palace of the Captains of the Galleys is an 18th century building that was already documented as ‘Hotel des Capitanes des Galeres’ in 1741. The façade as well as the historic merits of the building have remained true to their origin, however, internally the property has an exclusive contemporary design that will provides all the comfort a luxury guest could wish for, with an undisturbed view of the Grand Harbour opposite the capital city of Malta, Valletta. The 18 differently sized rooms will each have their unique features and airy structure and are designed for the high-end luxury guest. Moreover, the property is designed to be a sustainable building, employing construction methods that promote energy efficiency. Currently undergoing renovation, the property is anticipated to be fully operational by summer of 2024.
