Heritage Malta has loaned significant items to an exhibition in Nice, showcasing the rich history of the Knights of St John. The Knights, also known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta, have a storied past dating back to the 11th century. They were initially formed as a religious and military order in Jerusalem to care for sick and injured pilgrims.
The Knights’ legacy is deeply intertwined with Malta’s history, as they were granted possession of the Maltese archipelago in 1530 by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. During their rule, they built impressive fortifications, including the city of Valletta, which was designed by Francesco Laparelli and named after Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette, who led the defense of Malta during the Great Siege of 1565.
Some notable artifacts that might be featured in the exhibition include armor suits of Grand Masters Alof de Wignacourt and Jean de Valette, Ottoman armor, and artillery pieces, which are part of the Armoury collection at the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta. The palace, a testament to the Knights’ influence, showcases the opulence of the Order of St John and features an impressive collection of artwork, including paintings by Matteo Perez d’Aleccio and Mattia Preti.
The Knights’ influence on Maltese culture extends beyond architecture and art. They introduced new farming techniques, perfected milling practices, and brought European customs that blended with local traditions. The famous Maltese pastizzi, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas, has roots in French influence, while the Maltese sourdough bread, “Ħobż tal-Malti,” is a hybrid of local crop cultivation and sophisticated techniques brought by the Knights.
