[attach id=219488 size="large"][/attach]

Siculo-Norman architecture was imported to Malta through Sicily during a period spanning circa 400 years from the early 12th century onwards. Siculo-Norman architecture is derived from Romanesque architecture, which then developed into Gothic architecture.

After the Norman conquest of Sicily, the Normans incorporated elements from Islamic, Lombard and Byzantine architecture, thus creating a fusion of architectural styles.

The Maltese nobility that resided in Mdina were significantly influenced by the Siculo-Norman architecture that was in vogue in nearby Sicily, especially Palermo.

Thus, the Maltese nobility tried to emulate their Sicilian counterparts and employed similar elements.

The main features of Siculo-Norman architecture are the pointed hood moulds over the doorways and on top of mullioned windows, the mullioned windows and moulded string courses.

However, one should note that this architectural style is more synonymous with Mdina since that is where the Maltese nobility lived.

According to Bugeja et al, this late medieval two-light window has been “reutilised in an early-modern setting”. This makes both the building and the feature difficult to date.

Apart from the first floor window, the façade also has a heavily moulded and projecting string course separating the two floors. Additionally, one of the doorways exhibits significant similarities to doorways found in Mdina due to the heavy voussoirs shaping the doorway.

The Siculo-Norman building, at 10-11, Triq it-Tramuntana Vittoriosa was scheduled by Mepa as a Grade 1 national monument as per Government Notice number 1082/09 in the Government Gazette bearing the date December 22, 2009.