Writ in stone

The year 1530 was a fateful one for Malta in many respects, including, no doubt, in terms of the country's architectural heritage. The Knights' almost three centuries stay in Malta changed the face of our islands.

Legacy Of An Order 360°: The Architectural Heritage In The Era Of The Knights In Malta Vol.I, out tomorrow with The Times, focuses on the secular buildings of the Order of the Knights of St John in its first century and a half here. It focuses on buildings in Vittoriosa, Rabat and Valletta and features palaces, great houses, gates and even hospitals. The rich legacy of the Order spans the mannerist style, renaissance influence and baroque, brought to Malta by Francesco Buonamici who left his mark with that of Francesco Laparelli, Girolamo Cassar and Lorenzo Gafà. All thanks to Maltese stone that is ideal for shaping baroque forms and figures.

This volume depicts a selection of the vast heritage bequeathed to us by the Knights, a heritage that has outlived the ravages of time.

The innovative technologies used by the Knights, from wooden beams and higher storeys to beat the summer heat and even roof insulation, also feature in this publication.

The Miranda 360° Collection is printed by Progress Press, a member of the Allied Group. As customary, tomorrow's issue will be printed on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper. FSC is an international, non-profit organisation that promotes the responsible management of the world's forests and helps ensure they will not be destroyed for future generations.

Tomorrow, the price of The Times will increase from 60c to €1.