Ezechiele, Palazzo Parisio’s Head of Maintenance, has retired from his role after 25 years working at the palace.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, with Palazzo Parisio's management saying that the time has come for the “long-time colleague and friend” to bring his career to an end.

References to Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar date back to the 18th century, when Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena kept his hunting lodge there. The Parisio family then took on the palace, and in 1898, Marquis Scicluna acquired it with a vision to transform it into a new space. In the 21st century, the palace underwent a revival, and now houses weddings, celebrations, fine dining, as well as tours of the house and the garden.

When Ezechiele joined Palazzo Parisio 25 years ago, the palace was “emerging from its hibernation” and had begun its “slow evolution” to its present condition. The palace’s management stated that this is thanks to Ezechiele’s “tireless efforts and dedication” to this role.

“He immediately fell in love with the palace and the family. The palace and the garden are all special to him. He knows it inside-out, from the cellars, to the roof, and cares for every single part of it, knowing it is unique and unlike anything else on Earth,” the statement continued.

Former Palazzo Parisio Head of Maintenance Ezechiele / Facebook

The management remarked that when he first joined, his shift would often start at 7am and go on past midnight.

“As we grew and the commercial side of things took root, his role did too, and he now manages all the support teams, including security, cleaning, laundry, and maintenance. That said, he still bears the responsibility of anything premises-related that goes on from open to close,” it added.

When asked to recall his toughest workday at Palazzo Parisio, one immediately came to mind.

On one occasion, there were three back-to-back events that kept him working for “42 hours non-stop, handling the set-up and dismantling for all events.”

“But he is happy to say that he can’t single out a single happy memory because every day at the Palazzo is a good day and his biggest satisfaction is every time a successful function or event comes to a close,” Palazzo Parisio’s management said.

The management added that Ezechiele has earned “every second of rest and relaxation” coming his way. However, this change will not be easy for the management, as they “shall miss him terribly.”

“Buona fortuna e ci vediamo [Good luck and see you],” it concluded.