Order of St John Grandmasters
Grandmaster Gastone de Murols (1170-1172): Noteworthy Leader of the Order of St. John, recognized for consolidating the order’s presence and influence in the Mediterranean during his leadership
Grandmaster Roger de Moulins (1177-1187): Influential Leader of the Order of St. John, known for his role in expanding the order’s hospitals and strengthening its military capabilities across the Holy Land
Grandmaster Hugues de Revel (1258-1277): Strategic Administrator of the Order of St. John, notably enhanced the order's operational and defensive frameworks in the Holy Land, and successfully negotiated truces with the formidable Mamluk Sultan Baibars, safeguarding key Hospitaller strongholds. The only English Grandmaster
Grandmaster Nicolas Lorgne (1278-1284): Strategic Leader of the Order of St. John, known for his governance during a critical period of consolidation and fortification efforts in the Holy Land, ensuring the Order's resilience against external threats
Grand Master Jean de Villiers (1285-1294): Steadfast Leader of the Order of St. John, recognized for his efforts in fortifying the Order's positions in the Holy Land and overseeing the reconstruction of the Krak des Chevaliers, a crucial fortress for the Knights in the Crusader states
Grandmaster Foulques de Villaret (1305-1322): Key Architect in the Order of St. John's Expansion, known for the strategic capture and fortification of Rhodes, establishing it as the new operational base and significantly boosting the Order's maritime dominance in the Mediterranean
Alof de Wignacourt (1547–1622) was the 54th Grandmaster of the Order of St. John, serving from 1601 until his death in 1622. He is renowned for his military leadership, particularly in strengthening the defenses of Malta against the Ottoman Empire. Wignacourt oversaw the construction of several fortifications, including the Wignacourt Aqueduct and various coastal towers, which bear his name.
Grandmaster Giovanni Paolo Lascaris (1636-1657): Renowned for his strategic fortifications in Malta, known for initiating the construction of the Lascaris towers, a series of coastal fortifications that bolstered the island's defense system significantly during his tenure
Grandmaster Nicolas Cotoner (1663-1680): Notable for fortifying Malta’s defenses and advancing medical education, he commissioned the construction of the Cottonera Lines and enhanced the Floriana Lines to protect against potential Ottoman attacks. Cotoner also founded a school of Anatomy and Surgery at the Sacra Infermeria in 1676, reflecting his commitment to medical progress on the island
Grandmaster Gregorio Carafa (1680-1690): A Visionary Leader of the Order of St. John, known for his strategic enhancements to Malta’s fortifications and naval prowess. Under his leadership, significant upgrades were made to Fort Saint Angelo and Fort Saint Elmo, bolstering the island's defenses against potential Ottoman attacks. He also introduced innovative agricultural practices, including the c
Grandmaster Adrien de Wignacourt (1690-1697): Esteemed Leader of the Order of St. John, known for his compassionate leadership and fortifications. During his tenure, he established a widows' pension fund for the spouses of knights fallen in battle and resolved a long-standing dispute with the Republic of Genoa. He also managed the Order's response to the devastating 1693 earthquake in Malta, provi
Grandmaster Ramon Perellos y Roccaful (1697-1720): A transformative leader of the Order of St. John, known for enhancing Malta's maritime defenses and diplomatic relations. Perellos established the Consolato del Mare, a tribunal for naval affairs, and was instrumental in fortifying Malta's coastal defenses against Ottoman threats. His leadership saw the construction of new ships and significant na
Marc’Antonio Zondadari (1658–1722) was an Italian nobleman who served as the 66th Grandmaster of the Order of St. John from 1720 until his death in 1722. His tenure was marked by efforts to reinforce the military and naval strength of the Order, particularly in combating piracy in the Mediterranean. Zondadari also contributed to the cultural development of Malta, overseeing various architectural p
Grandmaster António Manoel de Vilhena (1722-1736): Renowned for Urban and Architectural Contributions to Malta, he oversaw the construction of Floriana to alleviate Valletta’s housing shortage and commissioned the Manoel Theatre, one of Europe's oldest operational theaters. His tenure included the significant reconstruction of Mdina post-1693 earthquake, establishing a lasting legacy of baroque ar
Grandmaster Manuel Pinto da Fonseca (1741-1773): Visionary Architect of Malta's Baroque Landscape, known for extensive architectural contributions that transformed Valletta and other parts of Malta. His tenure saw the introduction of Baroque style across the island, including the construction of notable buildings like the Castellania and enhancements to the Auberge de Castille. Pinto's ambitious p
Grandmaster Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc (1775-1797): Notable Reformer of the Order of St. John, known for his comprehensive legal reforms including the Code de Rohan, which modernized the constitutional laws of Malta. He enhanced the island's fortifications, commissioning Fort Tigné, and contributed to the cultural landscape by establishing the Anglo-Bavarian langue. His tenure also saw the elevation