The Impregnable Fort St Angelo


The matter has not yet settled, but the lovely Fort is being considered as the Knights' Head Quarters. a sort of Mini-Vatican State, with its own indipendent identity. A fort Knox of historical value, and also sentimental attachment. Built by the knights themselves, and returned to them.
Fort St Angelo from the Grand Masters' Palace, Valletta <BR> photo:- A Micallef-Grimaud

The Fort housed the Admiralty during the period of the British Rule, and was a crucial landmark for arial German Bomber attacks during the second World War, as many important battle ships moored close by. Misses meant much damage to the neighbouring cities, Vittoriosa, Cospicua, Kalkara, and Valletta.

Malta's Order is said to date back in unbroken continuity since 1100 circa, with about 12,000 members worldwide. Three and a half centuries ago, the Order's Grandmaster was elevated to Cardinal Status, a Royal Prince of the Order, and is styled both eminence, as well as Highness. The Present Grand Master is Fra Andrew Bertie.

The Order comprises its own Justice Department, a court of Law with its own judges and other judicial oficers. and being a Sovereign State maintains diplomatic relations with about 70 countries.

Its main activities includes the operation of hospitals and health clinics worlwide, major ambulance services, as well as disaster relief, and other peace support operations. It harbours rescue operations in the form or various Volunteer Rescue Corps, as well as nursing services, and social assistance to the terminally ill.



Information Source:
A midsummer Knight's dream
The Malta Indipendent 25/5/1997
by Antione Vella
 
 

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