The Fascinating World of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

A Unique Sovereign Entity

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, also known as the Knights of Malta, is a remarkable institution with a history spanning nearly a millennium. It is not merely a religious Catholic order but also a substantial humanitarian aid organization, operating across approximately 120 countries worldwide.

Powerful passports: France is one of six countries to top a 2024 index of the world's most "powerful passports." (Pictured: The Eiffel Tower in Paris.)

What sets the Order apart is its status as a sovereign nation, despite not having any recognized territory. Its sovereignty is acknowledged by the United Nations, and it has its own constitution, issuing passports, stamps, and currency, making it a truly unique entity in the geopolitical landscape.

The bastioned Fort St. Angelo sits at the center of Malta's Grand Harbour.

The origins of the Knights date back to the chivalric order in Jerusalem in 1099, and their connection with the Maltese archipelago traces back to 1530 when they were bestowed the territory by the King of Spain. Despite historical upheavals and relocations, the Order continues to thrive, with its headquarters now based in Rome and its members dispersed globally.

The Grand Master's Palace sits in St. George's Square in the heart of Valletta.

The Extraordinary Passports of the Order

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Order is the issuance of its passports, a tradition that dates back to the 1300s when its diplomats utilized documents attesting to their ambassadorial roles. Today, the diplomatic passport of the Order is a highly exclusive document, with only around 500 in circulation, making it the rarest passport in the world.

Aerial view of Lady of Mount Carmel church, St.Paul's Cathedral in Valletta city, Malta

Reserved for members of the Sovereign Council and leaders of diplomatic missions, these crimson passports, adorned with gold lettering and the Maltese crest, carry significant prestige. Additionally, the unique reaction of customs officers to these passports adds an element of curiosity and fascination to the diplomatic interactions involving the Order.

Combine a trip to Mdina with a visit to the "Knights of Malta" 3D audiovisual show.

The recognition of the diplomatic passport by two-thirds of Schengen members and the Order's close collaboration with countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and the United States underscore the influence and relevance of the Order's diplomatic initiatives on the global stage.

Tracing the Legacy of the Knights

While the presence of the Knights on the Maltese archipelago may be limited today, the historical imprints of their legacy are deeply embedded across the islands. Visitors to Malta can embark on a captivating journey to explore the significant sites associated with the Knights and gain insights into their enduring impact.

From the formidable Fort St. Angelo, once the Orders Headquarters, to the medieval bastion walls of Mdina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, there are numerous opportunities to delve into the history of the Order. The National Library of Malta and the Grand Masters Palace in Valletta house invaluable documents and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the Knights' historical presence on the islands.

Art enthusiasts can also uncover the intriguing connections between the Knights and renowned Italian painter Caravaggio, whose time as a Knight in Malta left a lasting artistic legacy, evident in the masterpieces displayed in St Johns Co-Cathedral and the Casa Rocca Piccola of the de Piro family.