One World - Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (107)

The origin of Valletta's quarantine "complex" is not clear. It originally included the little chapel of the Madonna degli Infetti, which later ceased to be used for divine worship. The Quarantine hospital and barriera were erected at the Valletta Marina during the rule of Grand Master Raymond Perellos (1697-1720). The quarantine hall was later also used as a health and fumigation office.

At the time of the Order the quay known as Barriera Wharf was used for quarantine purposes, and for the disinfection of goods. This quay is called Barriera, which means a barrier or boundary, and indeed, there was a barrier of stone bollards and wooden bars of which at least one complete and another partial stone bollard survive close to the 1930s fish market. This barrier consisted of an aisle created by a double row of free standing stones. Guards patrolling the aisle ensured that there was no contact between quarantined incoming travellers within the barriera and any persons already in Malta.

At the end of the quay at the Marina, opposite the Barriera Stores, is a large hall for the detention of visitors waiting in quarantine. The façade of this hall consists of a large arched door with a plain fascia set within a larger blind arch which has an inscription on a marble plaque above the doorway reading Haec fecit popularum amor (The love of the people did this). The entrance is reached by a flight of six hardstone steps set in a semicircular layout. Flanking the blind arch are attached pilasters from floor to roof level having curved corners. Adjacent is a later structure which also formed part of the complex and has 20th century additions at first floor.

Mepa scheduled the Quarantine Hospital as a Grade 1 national monument as per Government Notice no. 276/08 in the Government Gazette dated March 28, 2008.