Get to know the Knights of Malta with these 8 fascinating facts

Over the centuries, Malta has seen many rulers, from the Phoenicians and Romans to the French and British. Yet none have left a more lasting mark than the Order of the Knights of St. John.

Ruling Malta for over 250 years, the Knights transformed the island into a powerful naval stronghold in the Mediterranean. Along the way, they built some of Malta’s most iconic churches, palaces, and fortified cities—many of which still stand today. If you’re visiting Malta, you’ll come face to face with their rich legacy at every turn.

While you can explore the Knights of Malta’s history firsthand on the island, here are eight fascinating facts to help you familiarise yourself with their historic story before your visit.

Before Malta, the Knights of St. John called Rhodes home—an island known for its lush landscapes and strategic location in the Mediterranean. When they were driven out by the Ottoman Empire, Pope Charles V granted them Malta. At first, the Knights were unimpressed, finding the island too barren and undeveloped compared to their beloved Rhodes. It didn’t help that Malta lacked resources, making it a challenging new base. But with few options, they decided to relocate to Malta and transform the island.

In return for Malta, the Order of St John paid a yearly tribute to Pope Charles V of a live Maltese falcon. In fact, this unusual arrangement became the inspiration for Dashiell Hammett’s famous novel, “The Maltese Falcon,” which later was adapted into the iconic 1941 film starring Humphrey Bogart.

While Malta’s rulers traditionally lived in Mdina, the Knights of St John, being a naval order, wanted a coastal base. They chose Birgu (modern-day Vittoriosa), a fortified city by the Grand Harbour. Here, they fortified the coast and embarked on transforming the archipelago, building fortifications, towns, churches, and palaces across Malta and Gozo.

In 1565, Malta faced a huge threat as the Ottoman Empire sought to drive the Knights out once again. Under the leadership of Grand Master Jean de Valette, around 500 Knights and 5,000 soldiers bravely defended Malta against an estimated 40,000 Ottoman troops. Against all odds, the Knights emerged victorious, and the Great Siege of Malta became a legendary moment in Mediterranean history, solidifying the Knights’ heroic reputation.

Grand Master Jean Parisot de Valette is arguably the most celebrated figure in the Knights’ history. A French nobleman, Valette was the 49th Grand Master, known for his fierce leadership during the Great Siege of 1565. Interestingly, he once spent four months in a Gozo prison for attacking a man in 1538. His rivalry with the Ottoman commander Dragut Rais ran deep—they had both previously been enslaved as galley rowers. Valette’s tactics were brutal, retaliating against Ottoman attacks by sending back the heads of prisoners. After leading Malta to victory, he started building the fortified city that now bears his name—Valletta—however he didn’t live to see its completion.

Besides leaving behind stunning architecture, the Knights of Malta introduced many cultural traditions still celebrated today, including Carnival. This colourful celebration took root in 1535, starting in Birgu, where knights participated in pageants and tournaments before Lent. Carnival was known for getting wild, and at times, a bit out of hand. Grand Master del Ponte once had to intervene, giving the Knights a stern reprimand after festivities devolved into drunken chaos and brawls.

While the Knights were initially admired by the Maltese, by the late 18th century, public sentiment began to sour. The Maltese became weary of the Knights’ lavish lifestyles and excessive spending. When Napoleon’s French forces ousted the Knights of St John in 1798, many locals welcomed the change. However, their excitement didn’t last long as the French soon started raiding churches and seizing religious treasures, leading to unrest and the eventual Maltese uprising against French rule.

Though the Knights of Malta no longer have a permanent territory, they still exist as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM). The Order continues to claim sovereign status and operates as a global humanitarian organisation. Today, they focus on charitable work, particularly in healthcare and disaster relief, continuing a centuries-old tradition of service, albeit in a very different form than their medieval past.