The Great Siege of 1565 — How 500 Knights Saved Europe

When Maklowicz walks through Valletta and touches its walls, he touches a history that changed the fate of Europe. In 1565, the Ottoman Empire sent 40,000 soldiers to conquer Malta. Standing in their way were just 500 Knights of the Order of Malta under the command of 70-year-old Grand Master Jean de Valette.

Unequal Forces

The Turkish army arrived with a fleet of 200 ships. The knights had around 500 brothers of the order and 6,000 Maltese soldiers. The siege lasted from May to September — four brutal months of fighting for every metre of the island.

Fort St Elmo — The Key to the Battle

Fort St Elmo was supposed to fall within days. It held out for a month. Its defenders died to the last man, but they delayed the Turks long enough for reinforcements to arrive from Sicily. Turkish admiral Dragut was killed beneath its walls.

The Birth of Valletta

After the victory, Jean de Valette decided to build an impregnable city. Valletta — named in his honour — was created as one of the most perfect fortifications in history. Maklowicz says: "Malta is a place where history is written in stone" — these stones remember the Great Siege.

What to See

• Fort St Elmo — War Museum, site of the fiercest fighting
• Upper Barrakka Gardens — panorama of the harbour where the Turkish fleet stood
• Grand Master's Palace — hall with a complete armoury from the era
• St John's Co-Cathedral — inside, monuments to the knight-heroes