Built by a knight of the Order of St John in 1688, Spinola Palace, or Villa Spinola as it is sometimes known, is one of St Julian's most stunning and historic buildings.

Enlarged half a century later, its gardens were for the enjoyment of the public. It was later acquired by the Church, repurposed as a military hospital and leased to the British military between 1860 and 1922. Rental costs amounted to £20 a year, which when rate of inflation is taken into consideration would approximately total £2,000 or €2,260 per year.

While leased to the military, Spinola Palace was officially known as Forrest Hospital and sometimes also referred to as Forrest House, as a tribute to the then-hospital inspector Dr John Forrest.

Although a post-cholera pandemic report in 1865 highlighted that the repurposed hospital was not fit for its purpose, especially due to structural and sewage issues, the 42-bed hospital remained open past WWI and assisted in the rehabilitation of many a wounded soldier.

During WWII, the building offered shelter to those who lost their homes during bombardements and lay in disrepair till it was restored in the '80s and launched as a short-lived art museum.

Restored once more between 2006 and 2007, the majestic palazzo has served as Headquarters of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean ever since.