The Casa Rocca Piccola is among the grandest private residences in Valletta. It was built in 1580 and was named after the first owner, the Italian admiral and member of the Knights Hospitaller, Don Pietro la Rocca. Gradually, it passed to various aristocratic families before being bought by a Maltese nobleman called de Piro in the late 18th century. The house has remained in the family ever since and is currently owned by the 9th Marquis de Piro.