Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 21 A N E O - G O T H I C R E V I V A L I N T H E H E A R T O F M D I N A A r c h i t e c t u r a l R e s t o r a t i o n : A l a n G a l e a & A n d r e a V a s s a l l o C e s a r e o P h o t o g r a p h y : A l e x A t t a r d Standing proudly in Mdina's iconic main square, Casa Gourgion is one of the city's most recognisable buildings. Erected in the 1890s, this neo- Gothic gem defies the baroque uniformity of its surroundings; a striking architectural anomaly that once scandalised its contemporaries but today inspires admiration from both locals and visitors. Casa Gourgion, a 19th-century nobleman's residence, was designed in 1886 by the renowned Maltese architect Andrea Vassallo, commissioned by Giuseppe De Piro Gourgion.Over time, the house became a favourite subject for photographers, with celebrated photographer Richard Ellis capturing its bold neo-Gothic silhouette as early as 1907. Throughout its long history, the house served as a residence for numerous tenants, each leaving their mark on the building's fabric. By the time the De Piro Gourgion descendants regained possession in 2020, the house had endured a century of additions, alterations, and inevitable neglect, leaving it in urgent need of rescue. A Vision Rooted in Respect for Heritage What followed was an ambitious and sensitive four-year restoration, led by architects Alan Galea and Andrea Vassallo Cesareo, with the goal of returning Casa Gourgion as faithfully as possible to its late 19th-century character, while preparing it for its new life as a house museum. The restoration was guided by three clear principles: Preservation of Historic Fabric Authenticity was at the core of every decision. Original architectural

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