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What a pity! Old photo shows Sliema’s iconic Casa Said before it was demolished
The house was demolished in the 1990’s.

Emma Galea

Facebook user Frank O’Neill took to social media to spread some nostalgia with a pretty historic photo.

The image shows a group of workers building a retaining wall structure right below Tower Road in Sliema – however, what really catches the eye is the stunning Casa Said lurking in the background.

This gorgeous residence was demolished around a decade after the image was taken.

Casa Said was built by Maltese architect Andrea Vassallo back in the 1920s. The structure was designed in an Art Nouveau style, making it equal parts delicate and grandiose.

Vassallo is considered to be the first architect to bring the Art Nouveau style to Malta.

Whilst Casa Said was lucky enough to survive World War II bombings, it succumbed to the 90s apartment boom, when it was demolished to make way for blocks of flats.

Villa Trafalgar in Ta’ Xbiex was built around a decade after Casa Said, and it’s believed to have been inspired by Casa Said’s design. Fortunately, Villa Trafalgar is still standing.

Do you remember Casa Said?

Facebook/Frank O'Neill

14th January 2024


Emma Galea
Written by
Emma Galea
Emma is a Gozitan writer who loves all things related to English literature and history. When not busy studying or writing you will either find her immersed in a fictional book or at the cinema trying to watch as many films as she possibly can!

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