The Selmun Palace is situated in the midst of a beautiful countryside area in Mellieha. This Baroque-styled palace was not built for the protection of the Maltese countryside area and shores back in the 16th and 17th century, but as a summer residence for the wealthy nobles of the time. One can think this was built for the defence of our island because of the four towers there are at the sides. This Palace is very similar to the Verdala Palace (in Buskett, Malta). These two palaces are a perfect example of military architecture.

The Selmun Palace was built on an area which Caterina de Vitale left to the "Monte della Redenzione degli Schiavi" after her death in 1619. This was a 'society' that collected money and then used it to buy back the Christian slaves that were working for the Ottoman Turks.

The Maltese architect Dumink Cachia designed the Selmun Palace. This palace also had a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Ransom, in which there was a painting by Antoine de Favray and also another painting that showed the crucifix. Favray's painting showed Caterina de Vitale kneeling down in front of Our Lady. Some time ago, another chapel was built. It is only about 300 metres away from its original location. It is also dedicated to Our Lady of Ransom. The painting of Antoine de Favray was taken from the chapel in the Selmun Palace and then placed in the new chapel, where it still is today.

A curious and interesting fact about the Selmun Palace is that it is said that there was a ghost appearing in the small bell tower.

Near this Palace, there was a tower (the Selmun Tower) built by the Grand Master D. Martin de Redin in 1657. This tower was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1855. Also, during the Second World War, a British Fort (Fort Campbell) was built just about 1km away from the Selmun Palace.

During the beginning of the 20th century, the palace was inhabited by several noble people. Among them there was the marquis Henry Testaferrata Olivier, Robert Testaferrata Olivier and, the last persons that inhabited this Palace, Mrs. Stafford Northcote and her niece Ms. Elaine Bonham.

In 1962, when the Selmun Palace was vacant, an English company took it and a hotel was built just behind the Palace. Lately, the Palace was being restored as it was damaged by the natural elements.