Malta: Tracing the Legacy of the Knights of St. John

When the Knights of St. John arrived in Malta in 1530, they chose Fort St. Angelo—then a medieval stronghold known as Castrum Maris—as their primary seat of power. The fort’s commanding position at the tip of Birgu’s peninsula, overlooking both the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, made it the island’s most defensible site. Grand Master Philippe Villiers de L’Isle-Adam converted it into the Order’s headquarters, strengthening the existing walls and constructing living quarters, storerooms, and a chapel dedicated to St. Anne. The fort became both the military heart and administrative center of the early Hospitaller rule in Malta.

Over the following decades, the Knights expanded and reinforced Fort St. Angelo, transforming it into a formidable bastioned fortress. These improvements culminated under the direction of Grand Master Juan de Homedes, who fortified the structure to prepare for the looming Ottoman threat. By the time of the Great Siege of 1565, Fort St. Angelo stood as the Order’s last bastion of defense—its artillery controlling the approaches to the Grand Harbour. It endured intense bombardment yet never fell, serving as the symbol of Malta’s resilience and the Knights’ determination to resist Ottoman domination.

The Armoury of the Knights of Malta is one of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in Birgu, dating back to the early years of the Order’s settlement on the island. Constructed between 1533 and 1537 under the magistracy of Grand Master Fra Claude de La Sengle, it originally served as a central storehouse for weapons, armor, and munitions—crucial to the Knights’ military order and their defense of the island. Its design was both practical and strategic: the ground floor featured entrances on all four sides, allowing for swift access and movement of arms during times of siege or emergency.

During the Great Siege of 1565, the Armoury took on a very different yet equally vital role—it was converted into a makeshift hospital for wounded soldiers. This adaptability reflected the Order’s dual nature as both warriors and healers. The building’s robust limestone walls and accessible layout made it an ideal location for treating the injured while under constant threat from Ottoman bombardment. Its continued use and resilience through this defining event cemented its place in Malta’s heroic history.

In 1636, the structure underwent a significant renovation and expansion, adding a second floor to accommodate the growing needs of the Order. The building continued to evolve with Malta’s history: during the British colonial period (1800–1964), it was repurposed as a military hospital and barracks, serving the garrison stationed in Birgu and the surrounding Cottonera area.

The Auberge d’Angleterre is one of the most historically significant and best-preserved buildings in Birgu, Malta, dating back to around 1534–1536 — making it one of the earliest auberges constructed by the Knights of St. John. Before Valletta was built, Birgu served as the Knights’ first capital, and this auberge was home to the Knights of the Langue of England. Designed in the early Renaissance-Mannerist style, the building reflects the simple elegance and fortified practicality typical of the period. Its golden limestone façade is modest yet balanced, with well-proportioned windows and traditional Maltese stonework that showcase the disciplined aesthetic of the Order. Though smaller than the grander auberges that would later rise in Valletta, it carried great symbolic value, representing the English knights’ enduring presence within the Order — even after Henry VIII’s split from Rome left their ranks diminished.

The Auberge d’Angleterre has deep connections to Birgu’s early knightly community. The rear of the building was once linked to the now-destroyed Auberge d’Allemagne, home to the German knights, reflecting how the Langues coexisted closely within the fortified city. Next to the auberge stands the house of Sir Oliver Starkey, secretary to Grand Master Jean de Valette and one of the last English knights to serve in Malta. Starkey was a key figure during the Great Siege of 1565 and is also credited with composing the Latin inscription on Grand Master de Valette’s tomb in St. John’s Co-Cathedral. This proximity gives the Auberge d’Angleterre immense historical resonance, placing it at the heart of Birgu’s knightly quarter — a living relic of the city’s chivalric origins.

The Auberge de Castille et Portugal in Birgu, Malta, was one of the earliest residences built by the Knights of St. John to house members from the Langue of Castille, León, and Portugal. The first auberge was constructed in the 1530s, though no remains survive today. A second structure, designed by Niccolò Bellavante during the rule of Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, was completed on what is now Hilda Tabone Street. Built in the traditional Maltese style, it served the knights until they relocated to Valletta in 1574.

Though significantly altered over time, parts of the original design still exist — including a quoin and several windows featuring Melitan mouldings. The building remains privately owned but is officially protected as a Grade 1 national monument and listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. It stands today as a quiet yet powerful reminder of Birgu’s role as the first seat of the Order before Valletta became Malta’s capital.

The Auberge d’Auvergne et Provence in Birgu was built in the 1530s to house knights of the Order of St. John from the Langues of Auvergne and Provence, incorporating parts of even older medieval and possibly Byzantine structures. Originally two separate auberges that were later joined into one, it showcased traditional Maltese architectural elements and stood alongside other knightly residences in the city’s historic core.

Though parts of the building were lost before and after World War II, significant sections—particularly those belonging to the Langue of Provence—still survive today. These remnants offer a glimpse into the early architecture of the Order in Malta and are recognized as a Grade 1 national monument on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.

While each auberge housed knights from a different European region, all roads — symbolically and literally — led to the Grand Master’s Palace, the beating heart of the Order’s power. Designed by Girolamo Cassar in 1571, the palace stood as the unifying center for the Knights’ network of auberges, where the Grand Master presided over councils and state ceremonies. Just as the palace embodied authority and leadership, the nearby Barrakka Gardens represented the Order’s contemplative side. The Upper Barrakka Gardens, originally reserved for the Italian knights of the Auberge d’Italie, offered a peaceful escape overlooking the Grand Harbour. Together, the auberges, palace, and gardens formed the spiritual and architectural triangle that defined Valletta — a city planned for faith, governance, and reflection in equal measure.

Perched on Valletta’s highest point, the Auberge de Castille is the grandest and most ornate of all the Knights’ residences. Originally designed by Girolamo Cassar in the 1570s for the knights from Castille, León, and Portugal, it was rebuilt in the 1740s under Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca, who commissioned Andrea Belli to give it its magnificent Baroque façade. The result is a masterpiece of Maltese architecture — a symmetrical, richly ornamented building that captures the confidence and prestige of the Order of St. John at its height.

Throughout the centuries, the auberge has remained a center of authority. Under British rule, it served as military headquarters, and today, it is the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta. The building dominates Castille Square, offering commanding views over the Grand Harbour and Floriana. Its limestone exterior glows golden at sunset, reminding visitors that Valletta was not just a fortress city, but a place of elegance and power.

Built in 1574 by Girolamo Cassar, the Auberge d’Italie was the residence of the Italian knights of the Order. Its Mannerist design reflects Cassar’s architectural restraint — symmetrical, harmonious, and solid — symbolizing the disciplined life of the Order. Over time, the building evolved with later Baroque additions, giving it a more ornate appearance. In the 17th century, its gardens were transformed into what we now know as the Upper Barrakka Gardens, once a private refuge for the Italian knights and now one of Valletta’s most beloved public spaces.

In modern times, the building has been beautifully repurposed as MUŻA – The National Community Art Museum, a fitting continuation of the Italian langue’s artistic sensibilities. Inside, visitors can admire an impressive collection of Maltese and European art, housed within the same limestone walls that once echoed with the voices of the Order’s Italian brethren. Its transformation from a knightly auberge to a vibrant museum perfectly captures Valletta’s ability to balance heritage and modernity.

Among Valletta’s most enchanting landmarks, the Upper Barrakka Gardens have their roots in the Auberge d’Italie. Built in 1661, these gardens were originally created as a private sanctuary for the Italian knights — a space to rest, meditate, and socialize away from the demands of their military and administrative duties. Perched atop the St. Peter and Paul Bastion, the gardens offered commanding views over the Grand Harbour, allowing the knights to admire the very waters they were sworn to defend.

The Italian langue was known for its cultural refinement, and the gardens reflected that sensibility. Walkways lined with arches and fountains, citrus trees, and shaded terraces made it one of the most elegant corners of the fortified city. Over time, the gardens became a social center for Valletta’s elite and later, during British rule, were opened to the public.

Today, the Upper Barrakka Gardens remain one of the city’s highlights — a living link to the Knights’ world. The daily Saluting Battery below continues a centuries-old naval tradition, while the panoramic views across to the Three Cities evoke the grandeur of Malta’s maritime history. Standing there, it’s easy to imagine Italian knights strolling under the arcades, watching over the island they helped shape.

The Auberge de Provence was completed in 1574 and served as the headquarters for the Provençal knights. Designed by Cassar, its simple but imposing façade reflects the Order’s early architectural style — strong, unadorned, and symmetrical. The interior, however, holds a surprising richness, with vaulted halls and elegant limestone staircases that hint at the status of its noble residents.

Today, the auberge houses the National Museum of Archaeology, where visitors can explore Malta’s ancient past through prehistoric artifacts and temple treasures, including the famed Sleeping Lady. The transformation from knightly residence to museum gives the building a dual legacy — it represents both Malta’s medieval glory and its far older roots, making it one of the city’s most fascinating stops.

The Auberge d’Aragon is the oldest surviving auberge in Valletta and one of the few that retains much of its original 16th-century design. Completed around 1571, it housed the knights from the Langue of Aragon, Catalonia, and Navarre. Cassar’s architectural style here is restrained and functional, emphasizing proportion over ornamentation. Despite later alterations, its Renaissance character still shines through.

Over time, the building served several governmental purposes, and today it houses the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health. Its longevity and preserved features make it an excellent example of Cassar’s early work and of Valletta’s enduring architectural resilience. Though modest compared to the grander Baroque auberges, the Auberge d’Aragon remains deeply symbolic of Valletta’s beginnings.

The Auberge d’Auvergne was one of the earliest residences built for the Knights of St. John in Valletta, constructed between 1571 and 1574 under the direction of Girolamo Cassar, the Order’s chief architect. It served as the home and administrative headquarters for the knights of the Langue of Auvergne, one of the Order’s eight national divisions. Like Cassar’s other early designs, the auberge followed a Mannerist style — symmetrical, solid, and restrained, emphasizing strength and order over ornamentation. Situated near what is now Great Siege Square, the Auberge d’Auvergne occupied a prominent position within the city’s grid plan, reflecting the importance of its residents within the Order.

Unfortunately, the building was destroyed during World War II, and the site now houses the Law Courts of Valletta in Great Siege Square. Although the original structure no longer survives, its legacy lives on through historical records and architectural sketches, which continue to inspire Malta’s preservation of its knightly heritage.

The Knights of St. John left a lasting mark on Mdina, even though the city was no longer Malta’s capital during their rule. When the Knights arrived in 1530, they established their main base in Birgu, but Mdina remained a center of noble life and religious authority. Following the 1693 Sicily earthquake, Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena commissioned major reconstruction works that reshaped Mdina’s skyline. Under the direction of architect Charles François de Mondion, landmarks such as the Mdina Gate, Torre dello Standardo, and Palazzo Vilhena were built in the Baroque style, transforming the medieval stronghold into an elegant city of faith and grandeur.

Today, the Knights’ legacy is vividly brought to life through the Knights of Malta Experience, an immersive exhibition set in the historic vaults beneath Mdina’s bastions. Using lifelike figures, sound effects, and dramatic storytelling, the attraction recreates the world of the Knights — from their arrival in Malta to their defense of the island during the Great Siege. It offers visitors a fascinating journey into the courage, devotion, and artistry that defined this chivalric order, allowing them to experience firsthand how the Knights helped shape Mdina’s enduring identity.