The Castellania in Valletta, Malta, presented a newly constructed debtors' prison designed to reform the treatment of individuals who found themselves imprisoned due to unpaid debts. Unlike its predecessors, the rebuilt facility offered improved living conditions, emphasizing humane treatment and rehabilitation. This marked a shift in policies concerning debtors, reflecting emerging philosophies about social justice and the need for reform in penal systems. Prior to this, individuals facing imprisonment due to debt were often subjected to harsh conditions that failed to address the underlying issues contributing to their financial struggles.

The opening of the prison was met with great interest from both the public and local authorities. The facility was constructed in response to growing concern over the treatment of debtors and the insufficient capacity of existing prisons. By creating an environment specifically for debtors, the authorities hoped to alleviate overcrowding while simultaneously offering a chance for rehabilitation. The design of the prison also took into account various aspects of prisoners' well-being, representing an early acknowledgment of the psychological effects of imprisonment on individuals.

With its opening, the Castellania became a place not only for punishment but also for potential reform. The prison's establishment indicated a significant shift in the treatment of those who were imprisoned for financial shortcomings. This new approach encouraged the exploration of alternative solutions for debtors, rather than solely relying on punitive measures. Legal and social reforms began to take root in Malta, as this facility set a precedent for future considerations of how societies manage indebtedness and punishment.