Medical History, & Military Architecture in Malta

---

This page is still in preparation. It is not intended to be a comprehensive account of medical history in Malta but simply to include a few images collected by the author.

Why include 'Military Architecture' ? ... The reason is simply that in the few images presented here - the two are almost inextricably linked in terms of geography, architecture and history.

---




The photo shows part of the length of the 'Sacra Infermeria' or Holy Infirmary of the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of St John. It is situated above and within the fortifications of the capital Valletta, facing the Grand Harbour.


---




This photo shows part of the Lazzaretto hospital - which was initially a place of quarantine, and then a hospital for contagious diseases situated on the fortified Manoel island within Marsamxett harbour. A pdf document on a tour of the Lazzaretto buildings is available on line.

---

<Image to follow>

For a while the old armoury of the knights in Birgu (Vittoriosa) was used as a hospital.

'Igloos' in Malta ?? !!
Yes ... well ... of sorts.
These constructions were built close to the sea on the rocks practically at sea level. It was believed that the salty sea spray would help improve certain skin conditions, and the sufferers would spend long periods of time in these places. The arched 'igloos' were intended to give protection from the sun, or perhaps less commonly, the rain.

---




Bighi hospital is of relatively late construction. A lift shaft extends from the level of the hospital down to a small covered jetty at sea level to permit ill or injured seamen to be transferred to the hospital above with relative speed and comfort.

---

 

• More about Malta and Melitensia from this website
• Melita Historica (link to another site)
• © Copyright (1998 -2007) As with all other images and text on this website, the material here is copyright of the author, unless otherwise stated, and cannot be legally reproduced or copied electronically or in any other way without the explicit consent of the author.
   
• This page is in the agius.com domain (www.agius.com)
• It was last updated by the author Raymond Agius in May 2009
• Number of pageviews since 14.02.2000:  .