Long before it became one of Valletta’s most recognisable addresses, Old Bakery Street was home to the Grandmaster’s Bakery, known as L-Ifran tas-Sinjurija. Established during the late sixteenth century, the bakery was built to supply bread and other baked goods to the Knights of St John, their hospitals, prisons, garrison and naval fleet, as well as the growing population of the newly founded city.
Old Bakery Street
The Origins of a Historic Street
Planned in 1582 and completed by 1585, the bakery quickly became an essential part of daily life in Valletta. During the seventeenth century, the complex was expanded with the addition of a mill room, increasing its capacity to serve the city’s needs.
The bakery was operated by skilled bakers, many of whom lived within the premises, while trusted slaves were assigned to work there under forced labour. Following the slave revolt of 1749, this practice came to an end, and slaves were no longer entrusted with duties within important public buildings.
The street itself has reflected Malta’s changing history through a succession of names. Originally known as Strada San Giovanni Battista, it became Rue des Fours during the French occupation before later being translated into Italian as Strada Forni. Under British rule, it became Triq l-Ifran, with the English name Old Bakery Street officially adopted in 1926.
Ironically, the bakery that gave the street its identity was demolished that very same year to make way for the Vincenti Buildings. Although the original structure no longer survives, its legacy endures in the name of the street and in the rich history that continues to define this remarkable corner of Valletta.
