Mediterranean
CULTURE AND FAITH IN ARCHITECTURE With faith as foundational to the Knights as a battle, the structure and design of popular buildings like the St John’s Co-Cathedral. Draped in gold and adorned with images of angels throughout, including the sky-high vaulted ceilings, the cathedral was a place of worship and was visually evident in this structure. Appreciators of the human experience, arts, and entertainment were also prominent in local Maltese culture. Patrons throughout the island could attend theater productions at places like the Teatru Manoel—poetic and operatic in design, undoubtedly European in appearance and feel. Still in operation today, the arts, as they are in cultures around the world, take center stage and highlight the joys of life and the human experience. True to its heritage of service, the Sacra Infermeria was constructed in the latter 1500s as a hospital to care for the sick and infirmed. Expansive and regal in stature, in the present day, it’s an event center that still reflects the active spirit of the Knights and their legacy in the land.
THE KNIGHTS’ INFLUENCE ON LOCAL AND GLOBAL CULTURE Arguably, the greatest impartation into Maltese culture is the foundation of faith. Long before modern-day law enforcement of the Western world vowed to “protect and serve,” the Knights of Malta lived lives of faith in this regard, with this mission at the core of the collective. The famous structures built by the Knights—the fact that so many remain standing is a testament to resilience, which is reflective of the culture of the people in Malta. It’s a display of strength and survival. As the faith continues worldwide, the spirit of defense and service still goes forth as volunteers protect and serve others in need. The island nation is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its impact on local and global culture. Its position in world history enlightens us on yet another era of the triumph of soldiers and servants’ past. A resonant history brimming with a spirit of fight and faith. A fortified legacy rife with global impact and modern-day relics of battles lost and won. The Knights of Malta created a culture and left an indelible mark that can still be felt in the present day. Those continuing the legacy of faith through humanitarian efforts and those who visit the UNESCO site to commemorate the fight, history, and legacy are at the core of why The Knights of Malta are revered and endeared—yesterday, today, and forever.
Professionally, Shawanda James is a writer and a member of the Regent marketing team. Personally, she loves good books, good food, and incredible ocean views (especially on a cruise ship!), and is the proud mother of four children.
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