A Hospitaller knight with the title of "Ricevitore Capo" was in charge of the complex, which was known as a "ricetta". The base was also used to supply food and medicine to the residents of Augusta during disease epidemics, and it facilitated trade between Augusta and Malta. The complex remained in use until the end of the 18th century, when the Hospitallers were expelled from Malta by the French. In 1806, the "ricetta" was briefly taken over by the British (who by then had acquired Malta), but the complex closed down soon afterwards during the early 19th century.