The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta known as the Knights of St. John, or the Knights of Malta, is the oldest order of chivalry in existence, dating back to the eleventh century. The Knights of St. John came to Malta in 1530 after accepting the offer made to them by Charles V. They brought with them an international body of men from Catholic Europe with a strong tradition in government, accompanied by a sound source of income and a wealth of experience in architecture. For a large number of years Malta flourished under the rule of the Knights of St. John and it is on the Maltese islands that the Knights have left their most notable legacy reflected in the beautiful architecture of the palaces in Valletta and in Birgu, and Forts of St. Angelo, St. Elmo, Ricasoli, Manoel and Tigne; and a number of churches, most notably St. John’s Conventual Church. Two of Miranda Publishers’ books Legacy in Stone and Sovereign Palaces give a pictorial review of the heritage left by the Knights of St. John.

Malta is a veritable treasure-house of architectural interest. The Maltese have, since the beginning, always been incessant builders, but there is a special period in Malta's history that has particularly left its mark on its architectural wealth. During their first years in Malta, the Knights of St John strengthened the existing meagre fortifications and built new ones in expectation of an attack from the Turks. A year after the Great Siege in 1565, from which the Order with the help of the Maltese emerged victorious, the first stone of Valletta was laid. The Order employed the best architects from Malta and other European countries and for more than two and a half centuries of continuous building and re-building, they succeeded in giving Valletta its unique character. In the early 17th century, the building movement moved out into the country, and here again the Knights vied with one another to build churches, country-houses and magnificent villas with exquisite laid-out gardens. The architectural legacy the Knights left in Malta remains an everlasting monument to the artistic acumen of the noblest chivalric Order of all times. This comprehensive photographic study celebrates the rich honey colour of the soft yet resilient limestone that distinguishes local architecture, and reveals the Baroque splendours of the period. It also documents the finest and best preserved fortifications in Europe.

Legacy in Stone is hard-bound with leather spine, and presented in a handmade sturdy slipcase. The text is in English with Italian and Maltese translations.

Miranda Publishers is at the forefront in the publication of large format Maltese books about Malta’s cultural and historical heritage. For more details or to purchase any of our books visit http://www.mirandabooks.com

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