The founder
of Caffe Cordina, the late Mr. Cesare Cordina, relocated his business,
which was established in 1837, to Valletta in 1944. Over the years
he enlarged the establishment resulting in the caffe you see before you
today comprising of tea rooms, pasticceria, gelateria, full bar, an outdoor
caffe and outside catering.
The premises housing Caffe Cordina have a long and interesting history. They were known in the 12th century during the rule of the Knights of St. John as the 'Casa del Commun Tesoro', namely the Treasury of the Order. During the early days of British rule the building was appropriated to various public offices and later converted into the Grand Hotel. At the beginning of the century it was taken over by the Casino Maltese and in World War 11 the block suffered heavy damage during the blitz of 1942. Inside, the beautiful decor is highlighted
by the unique vaulted ceiling which is embellished with paintings by the
renowned Maltese painter Giuseppi Cali. The exquisite paintings symbolize
the previous rulers of Malta and the diverse eras in Malta's history.
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| The Cordina family recently commissioned the final two paintings which represent the independence of Malta and the birth of the Republic. | |
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An aerial photo showing the pleasant surroundings of the open-air caffe in the picturesque 'Piazza Regina'. |
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