Plizio Visual Lab
Former Naval Hospital
The former Naval Hospital in Mtarfa, currently housing the Sir Temi Zammit State School, was established in the early 20th century as a key British military medical facility. Completed in 1912, it served as a vital hospital during both World Wars, earning Malta the nickname 'the Nurse of the Mediterranean' for its role in treating wounded servicemen. The hospital was designed following the pavilion system, which emphasized cross-ventilation and sanitation, a revolutionary approach in medical architecture at the time. Between the wars, the site underwent expansion to better accommodate personnel from the Royal Navy and the British Army. Following the British military withdrawal in 1979, the complex was repurposed for education while maintaining its imposing architectural presence. The structure remains one of the largest colonial buildings on the island, featuring clean lines and sturdy limestone construction. It is named after Sir Temi Zammit, a highly distinguished Maltese doctor, scientist, and historian.
- Location: Malta
- Top sights: Mdina Panorama · cart ruts · Chadwick Lakes
- Nearby: Attard (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 65 | 51 | 33 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 10 | 63 | 82 | 95 | 82 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Year completed: 1912
- Original use: British Naval Hospital
- Nickname: 'Nurse of the Mediterranean'
- Current use: Sir Temi Zammit State School
- Architectural style: Pavilion-style hospital
- Significance: Largest British military medical site in Malta
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Former Naval Hospital (10)
Chadwick Lakes
Artificial reservoirs in a dry valley, filling with water after rainfall.
Roman Villa
Excavated Roman villa with mosaic floors and wall remains.
Bastion Square
Square on the fortification wall with views over the Maltese landscape.
Domus Romana🏛 museum
Roman house just outside Mdina's walls, featuring mosaics and sculptures.
Annunciation Church🏛 museum
Church in Mdina dedicated to the Annunciation of Mary.
Knisja ta' San Nikola
Church building in Mdina dedicated to Saint Nicholas.
Knisja tal-Lunzjata
Church in Mdina dedicated to the Annunciation.
Palazzo Falson🏛 museum
Medieval townhouse in Mdina, now a museum with period rooms.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the former naval hospital today?
Can I visit the building?
When was it built?
What role did it play in the war?
Where is the building located?
Former Naval Hospital: where is it located?
Former Naval Hospital: what is there to see?
Former Naval Hospital: when is the best time to visit?
Former Naval Hospital: why is it worth visiting?





























