Palazzo Stagno was built in 1589 but not much is known about the family that lived here. The Stagno family came from Messina in nearby Sicily, and judging by the size of the palace, must have been fairly wealthy. During the period that it was built, Malta belonged to the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, who came here in 1530 and stayed for over 200 years. In fact, it is said that the palazzo was the country residence of one of the Knights who was next in line to succeed the Grand Master. A plaque outside the palazzo was erected by Qormi local council testifying to its status as one of the oldest houses in the area.