As you pass through one of the busiest streets in Sliema, you may notice a palace-like villa in Rudolph Street. The gorgeous villa is said to bear intricate stone carvings inspired by the Middle East that are possibly the only examples of the sort on the islands.

Villa Alhambra

This stunning building is known as Villa Alhambra, a privately-owned home, which was one of the first ever houses to be built in this street over one hundred years ago. The elegant townhouse was designed by the renowned Maltese architect Emmanuele Luigi Galizia in the 1800s.

Galizia merged incredible artistic styles, with the villa having a Moorish exterior and a stunning Baroque and Victorian interior. He built it as a residence and used it himself during the summertime. The street also boasts two other sister villas of the same sort - Villa Pax and Villa Alcazar - that were built in conjunction with Villa Alhambra.

After many redevelopment proposals and rejections, a project (that was downscaled) was accepted and will include the elevation of two floors round back that will be strictly for residential purposes. Villa Alhambra is also a Grade 1 protected building.

Check out the intricate details: