Castello Lanzun, Medieval farmhouse in San Għwann, Malta
Castello Lanzun is a limestone structure in San Ġwann with multiple rooms arranged around a central courtyard, featuring thick walls and traditional wooden beam construction. The building includes a ground floor entrance hall, chapel, inner courtyard with Mediterranean plants, and a Council Chamber on the first floor.
The farmhouse dates from the 15th century and underwent significant fortification in 1713 to protect inhabitants against corsair attacks along the Maltese coast. This reinforcement was part of broader efforts to defend the island against external threats.
The building takes its name from Wenzu Lanzun of Birgu, a figure connected to the property's past. The rooms reveal how prosperous families organized their homes around a central courtyard, a common pattern in Maltese domestic life.
Visitors should expect uneven floors and narrow stairs, as the building is historic and not fully modernized. It is wise to wear comfortable shoes and allow adequate time to explore the different levels and rooms.
During World War II, the building served as an aircraft observation post and sustained damage from aerial bombardments before restoration in 1972. This conversion to a military position shows how the structure was repurposed during the war years.
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