The ceiling is original - a surviving wooden soffit which is over 400 years old.

The bureau-bookcase with its fine marquetry is an outstanding example of 17th century Maltese furniture. It bears the arms of the Lascaris family. It is said that this bureau originally came from the State Collection and was sold off at the time of the French Occupation of Malta.

This room houses most of the family portraits some of which you can see on the Family History Page. Another fascinating portrait depicts a child, Marchesa Francesca Xara and was probably painted in connection with a marriage contract. The mountain in the background is symbolic of her family property in Sicily (we have no mountains in Malta). Her cheeks and hands have been painted to make her look chubby, a sign of health in the 18th century. She is also wearing a lot of coral jewellery to protect her from the Evil Eye.

In this room you can also see the large 17th canvas of St Nicasius who was one of the heroes and an early martyr of the Order of St John.