Download or read book Splendor of Malta written by Shirley Johnston and published by Rizzoli International Publications. This book was released on 2001 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Malta is one of the most beautiful and undiscovered places in the world. Actually three islands, this jewel of the Mediterranean was transformed by the Knights of St. John in the sixteenth century into a fantasy of splendid Renaissance and Baroque palaces, opulent villas and gardens, and private estates and magnificent churches filled with priceless art. This lavish all color book presents Malta in all of its spectacular glory, showing the palaces of the grand master, the inquisitor, and the bishop, and the equally majestic auberges (knights' quarters). The world-renowned hospital and the monumental forts and bastions are featured as well. Intertwined amidst this panoramic grandeur is a detailed and informative history of the knights' migrations from the holy land, to Rhodes, and finally to Malta, and the long wars they waged with the Ottoman Turks.