Buleben

Title: Baron
Title in succession: 10th
Date created: 1465 (23 July 1777)
Grant by:  Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc
Granted To: Dr. Gaetano Azopardi MD
Rep: Manduca Azopardi Piscopo Macedonia
Remainder to: ad personam (see note)
Feudal Tribute: Two pistols every year on the feast of St.James, Apostle (25th July)
Present Holder: Joseph Manduca-Azzopardi (Francis Manduca-Azzopardi see Montalto)
Note: Initially ad personam and later the Baron petitioned the Grand Master for the title to be inherited by his eldest son (or any of his children by nomination). The Grand Master gave his assent for the title to be inherited and who would also succeed to the Primogenitura. In 1877 with the death of his son the Royal Commission stated that the title had become extinct, later in 1883 the Com. of Privileges presented a petition and to the British Gov't which was upheld.

The fief of Buleben was first created to the Perrello family in 1465, and later regranted to the Azzopardi family in 1777.

The title was initially granted “ ad personam” without the right of succession. The Baron later petitioned the Grand Master for the title to be inherited by his eldest son (or any of his children whom he should nominate) and the male issue of his son in perpetuity as would succeed to the primogeniture Azzopardi on the 25th April 1778.

The Azzopardi's were medical men whose contribution to the profession was considerable. The services of this family were recognised in the last quarter of the eighteen century by the ennoblement of Giusto's son. On the 20 May 1735, Pietro Paolo Azzopardi was appointed protomedico by Manuel de Vilhena, and the following year, on th 19 December 1736, Despuig confirmed his appointment. After having replaced in 1740, Pietro Paolo was reinstated on the 1 July 1753 by Grand Master Pinto and remained in office till his death.

On the 31 May 1764 a Protomedical College was set up. Of the three physicians in this college the chief Physician was Pietro Paolo's set-brother, Gaetano.

As head of the first Medical College in Malta, Gaetano Azzopardi (Generally referred to as Azzopardiano) continued to perform most of the duties of Protomedico which remained more or less the same even after the College has been set up. These duties included the examining and licensing of Barbers, Aromatic-mixers and also Midwives. All sales of drugs and poisonous compounds were strictly forbidden unless previously licensed by the office of the Protomedico who also had to check, every year, chemist shops. His duties also included the visiting of those in quarantine, inspection of merchandise, the supervision of burials at the Lazzaretto, the supervision of animal slaughter, and the periodical checking of the manufacturing of sausages.


Gaetano Azzopardi had been employed in the Holy Infirmary for over 40 years, when on the 23 July 1777 he was compensated for his excellent services to medicine by the grant of a title. He was made a Baron over the Magisterial fief of Buleben and took his oath on the 27 July that same year.


On 4 October 1777, Baron Azzopardi was granted the special privilege to register his letter-patent as an Academician of the Parisian Medical Academy in the Books of the Chancellery.

As the title of Baron of Buleben was specifically granted to Gaetano Azzopardi for his sterling services rendered to the Hospital of the Order it could not be automatically inherited. His petition to make it hereditary was partially accepted when the title was extended by one grade. This concession was given on the 25 April 1778, but soon after Azzopardi died. After his death, the college was again subsumed by the Protomedical Office which entrusted to the renowned Michelangelo Grima. The Link between the protomedico and the Azzopardis had come to an end.

The Grand Master gave his assent for the title to be inherited by that son in perpetuity as would also succeed to the primogeniture.

The 1877 Royal Commissioners in their report held that with the death of the Baron’s son the title had become extinct. In 1883 , the Committee of Privileges however presented a petition to the British Government in which it argued that by the grant of 1777, “an inheritable, real, proper and noble fief had been erected and that this had been reinforced by the ampliazone of 1778 in favour of the male issue holding the primogeniture Azzopardi”

Point in History: The Most Noble Baron Calcedonio Azopardi (1824-1890) 4th Baron of Buleben, nominated first President of the Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, and the meeting convened at his own residence in Valletta 1852. He held office for 10 years, and was entrusted by Governor William Reid to choose 5 committee members to draw up the objectives and regulations for membership, which fee was set at 5 pounds annually (a workers daily wage was circa 10c at today's rate). He chose John Grant, Dr. Ferdinand Caruana Dingli, Antonio Schembri, Rev. P.Pullicino, and James Aspinall. 

The title was granted to Baron the Dr Gaetano Azopardi M.D, then followed succession from father to son until the death of the 5th Baron in 1899, who died childless, and was succeeded by his unmarried brother, then his younger sister.

Point in History: Baron Vincenzo Azopardi, 5th Baron of Buleben, became President of the Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce at age 25 in 1876, was amrried to Anna Maria De Fremaux. He was involved just like his father the 4th Baron, and was brainchild of the visit by Signor Luigi Palmieri and Italian restorer of St.Johns Cathedral tapestries, and the possibility of setting up a Tapestry school for young ladies with the help of Mons. Paolo Pullicino

Upon the death of Guiseppina Azopardi, 7th Baroness in 1940, the title was passed on to her sister’s younger son, Joseph Manduca-Azopardi, as the 8th Baron.

Upon Joseph’s death, the title was succeeded by his son, Francis Manduca-Azzopardi, who was later Count of Mont'Alto (See Mont'Alto) until his death.

His sons now share a title each, the elder as the present Count of Mont'Alto and the younger as the Present Baron di Buleben. 



A short version of the Barons of Buleben and the Counts of Montalto


Francesco Manduca Piscopo Macedonia Azopardi (1851-1916) 6th Count of Montalto, married firstly to Nicolina dei Baroni Azopardi-Zammit, without issue, and married secondly her sister in 1889 Angiolina dei Baroni Azopardi Zammit, with issue.

1. Bernardo Manduca Piscopo Macedonia (1891-1971), 7th Count of Montalto, dunm.
2. Joseph Manduca Piscopo Macedonia Azopardi Zammit (1893-1964), 7th Baron di Buleben, married 1942 to Lucy Muscat Fenech
2.1. Francis Manduca Piscopo Macedonia Azopardi Zammit (1926- ??) , 8th Count of Montalto and 8th Baron di Buleben. Married 1957 to Margaret Gatt
2.1.1. Alfred Joseph Manduca Piscopo Macedonia (1958- 9th Count of Monalto, married with issue
2.1.2. Joseph Bernard Manduca Piscopo Macedonia Azopardi (1959-, 9th Baron di Buleben, married 1985 to Angela Marich, with issue
3. Maria Manduca Piscopo Macedonia (1890-1913/4), married 1910 Francis Sant Cassia, 6th Count Sant, 11th Baron di Ghariexem e Tabia, with issue
4. Concetta Manduca Piscopo Macedonia (1896-, married 1915 Francis Sant Cassia, 6th Count Sant, 11th Baron di Ghariexem e Tabia, with issue
5. Carmelina Manduca Piscopo Macedonia (1898-1964) , married Joseph A. Borg with issue
5.1. John Francis Borg Manduca (1934-, married 1961 to Josephine Camilleri
5.2. Angele Borg Manduca (1931- , married 1957 to Lawrence Cachia Zammit, with issue
5.3. Myriam Borg Manduca (1939-, married 1962 to Architect Richard England Sant Fournier, with issue

* Leonardo Azzopardi, married to Giovanna.., with issue.

1. Geronimo Azzopardi. -See Below.

* Geronimo Azzopardi of Attard, married 1555 to Agnese, with issue


1. Domenico Azzopardi, married 1570 at Zebbug, Malta to Giovanna Gauci (daughter of Giacobo and Margherita), with issue.
1.1. Andrea Azzopardi, married 1598 to Giulia Agius, with issue

1.1.1. Don. Alessandro Azzopardi, dunm.

1.1.2. Pasquale Azzopardi, married 1646 to Grazia Pace (daughter of Marino and Caterina), with issue

1.1.2.1. Don. Giovanni Azopardi, dunm.

1.1.2.2. Domenica Azopardi, married Pietro Lombardo, with issue

1.1.2.3. Dr. Giusto Azzopardi M.D, married (1) 1677 to Caterina Zimech, married (2) to Maddalena Agius, with issues

1.1.2.3.1. (First Marriage) Don Pasquale Azzopardi, dunm.

1.1.2.3.2. Don Domenico Azzopardi, dunm.

1.1.2.3.3. Dr. Pietro Azzopardi, JUD, married Artemifia Zarb, with issue

1.1.2.3.3.1. Caterina Azzopardi, married 1735 to Dr. Gio Antonio Mallia Tabone, JUD, with issue. (See Fiddien for issue)

1.1.2.3.3.2. Teresa Azzopardi, married 1744 to Daniele Bonici, with issue. (See Qlejjgha)

1.1.2.3.4. (Second Marriage) Viva Azzopardi, married Giacchi Agliau, Merchant from France, with issue

1.1.2.3.5. Dr Gaetano Azzopardi, (Azopardi), 1st Baron di Buleben-See Below.

1.1.2.4. Flaminea Azzopardi, married 1687 to Mro. Giuseppe Azzopardi (son of Gio Maria and Caterina).
1.1.3. Domenico Azzopardi, married 1636 to Grazia Mifsud, Married in 1647 to Geronima Gatt.
1.1.4. Valenza Azzopardi, married 1637 to Domenico Pace.
1.1.5. Gioannella Azzopardi, married 1646 to Chco. Marino Buttigieg.
2. Biagio Azzopardi, married 1577 to Agnese Zarb.
3. Benedetto Azzopardi, married 1567 to Margherita Magri.
4. Antonia Azzopardi, married 1572 to Pietro Francese.
5. Clemente Azzopardi, married 1570 to Domenica Schembri.

* Dr Gaetano Azopardi, M.D. 1st Baron di BULEBEN (cr:1777, Malta),

married 1738 to Graziulla de Bono (See Extinct titles under Vaccaro for ancestry)


1. Calcedonio Azopardi, 2nd Baron-See Below.

2. Lunegunde Azopardi, married 1769 to Dr Guis Adriano Gauci, -

3. Franco Azopardi, married 1789 to Vincenza Bonici (daughter of Daniel Bonici and Teresa Azopardi- See Above), with issue

3.1. Caroline Azopardi, married 1819 to Guiseppe Gauci -

3.2. Maria Teresa Azopardi, married 1813 to Clardo Naudi.

4. Don. Giufto Azopardi, (Priest), dunm. 1793.

5. Caterina Azopardi, married to Dr. Luigi Agius MD, with issue
5.1. Gaetana Agius, married 1804 to Giuseppe Spiteri, with issue
5.1.1. Anna Spiteri
5.1.2. Vincenza Spiteri
5.1.3. Dr. Luigi Spiteri LLD
5.1.4. Giovanni Spiteri
5.1.5. Salvatore Spiteri
5.1.6. Mgr. Francesco Spiteri-Agius, (1824-87), dunm.
5.1.7. Caledonio Spiteri
5.1.8. Caterinba Spiteri
5.1.9. Maria Spiteri

* Calcedonio Azopardi, 2nd Baron di Buleben, died 1800,

married Vincenza Xaveria Aguis


1. Dr Vincenzo Azopardi C.M.G, L.L.D. (C 1792-1857), 3rd Baron -See Below.

* Dr Vincenzo Azopardi C.M.G, L.L.D. (C 1792-1857), 3rd Baron di Buleben,
married firstly 1815 to Maria Teresa Zammit, with issue
married secondly 1849 to Martina dei Baroni Gauci


1. (first marriage) Calcedonio Azopardi (c 1824-90), 4th Baron-See Below.
2. Maria Azopardi, married 1851 to Chev. Saverio Bonici-Mompalao, with issue.
2.1. Filomena Bonci Azopardi, married 1886 to Alfredo Preziosi, 7th Count Preziosi, with issue -See Preziosi.
2.2. Ignazio Bonici Mompalao
2.3. Teresa Bonici Mompalao
2.4. Vincenza Bonici Mompalao
3. Giovanni Azopardi

* Calcedonio Azopardi (c 1824-90), 4th Baron di Buleben,

married 1850 to Gaetana Gauci


1. Vincenzo Azopardi (c 1851-99), 5th Baron-See Below.

2. Filippo Giovanni Azopardi (c 1865-1939), 6th Baron-See Below.

3. Angolina Azopardi (c 1862-1930), married 1889 to Francesco Manduca, 6th Count di Mont'Alto

3.1. Bernardo Manduca Piscopo Macedonia, 7th Count of Montalto -See Mont'Alto.

3.2. Joseph Manduca Azopardi (1892-1964), 8th Baron -See Below.

3.3. Maria Manduca (1890- ), married Francis Sant Cassia, 11th Barone di Ghariexem e Tabia, 6th Conte Sant--See Title for Descendants.

3.4. Concetta Manduca (1896- ) married Francis Sant Cassia, 11th Barone di Ghariexem e Tabia, 6th Conte Sant--See Title for Descendants.

3.5. John Manduca (1894- ob.inf)

3.6. Camelina Manduca (1898-1964), married 1930 to Joseph Borg, with issue

3.6.1. John Francis Borg Manduca (1934- , married 1961 to Josephine Camilleri, with issue

3.6.2. Angele Borg Manduca (1931- , married 1957 to Lawrence Cachia Zammit, with issue

3.6.3. Myriam Borg Manduca (1939- , married 1962 to Richard England Sant Fournier, with issue

4. Nicolina Azopardi (c 1859-88), married Francesco Manduca, 6th Count di Mont'Alto, without issue.

5. Guiseppina Azopardi (c 1870-1940), 7th Baronessa -See Below.
6. Maria Rachele Azopardi (c 1863-, married Joseph Teuma Castelletti, Contino di Ghajn Tuffieha and dsp.

* Vincenzo Azopardi (c 1851-99), 5th Baron di Buleben,

married 1877 to Anne Maria Formosa de Fremaux, without issue.


* Filippo Giovanni Azopardi (c 1865-1939), 6th Baron di Buleben, dunm.

* Guiseppina Azopardi (c 1870-1940), 7th Baronessa di Buleben and dunm.

* Joseph Manduca Azopardi (1893-64), 8th Barone di Buleben,

married Lucy Muscat Fenech, with issue

1. Francis Manduca Piscopo Macedonia Azopardi (1926- ) 9th Barone, and 8th Count di Mont'Alto (See other title for descendants)-See Below.

2. Mary Rose Manduca (1924-, married 1967 to Anthony Victor Sant Cassia.

* Francis Manduca Piscopo Macedonia Azopardi, (1926-..),9th Baron of Buleben, 8th Count of Mont'Alto, Married 1957 to Margaret Gatt, with issue

1. Alfred Manduca-Piscopo-Macedonia (1958-, Acknowledged by the COP as the 9th Count of Mont Alto, married Mariucca Vassallo (Daughter of Dr Louis Vassallo), with three daughters.
1.1. N.N.(girl) Manduca
1.2. N.N. (girl) Manduca
1.3. N.N. (girl) Manduca

2. Joseph Manduca Azopardi, (1959- , Acknowledged by the COP as the 10th Baron of Buleben, Married 1985 to Angela Marich, with issue

2.1. (Son). Manduca Azopardi, Baroncino di Buleben (

2.2. (Daughter). Manduca Azopardi

(IF THERE ARE ANY UPDATES TO ANY TREES, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO 'bibinomagno@hotmail.com or doverville@orbit.net.mt ' stating site you seen the genealogical tree and updates.)


References: 1) Gauci,C.A.," The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta", Gulf Publishing Ltd, Malta, 1981.
2) Gauci,C.A.," The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta, Volume Two", Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd, 1992.
3) Gauci,C.A and Mallet, P.,"The Palaeologos Family- A Genealogical Review" ,Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd, 1985
4) Gauci, C.A.," A Guide to the Maltese Nobility", Publishers Enterprise Group (PEG) Ltd, Malta, 1986.
5) Montalto, J., "The Nobles of Malta-1530-1800", Midsea Books Ltd, Malta, 1980.
6) De Piro, N., "Casa Rocco Piccola", The Conde' Nast Publications 1999.' Http://www.vol.net.mt/casarocca '
7) Giles Ash, S., "The Nobility of Malta", Publishers Enterprises Group (PEG) Ltd, 1988.
8) Said Vassallo, C.M., Unpublished research papers.
9) Said Vassallo, C.M., Maltagenealogy.com Research site.