Giovan Francesco Buonamico : insights into travel and cultural practices in seventeenth century Malta

Abstract

Giovan Francesco Buonamico (1639-1680) was probably one of the most erudite intellectuals during a very interesting phase of Maltese history – the late seventeenth century. In the age of Buonamico, Valletta, where he lived, served both as the ‘convent’ of the ruling crusading Knights of Malta, and as a Harbour City of very significant value in the Mediterranean. The Harbour towns were a centre for trade and commerce and the population was heterogeneous. This, together with the on-going military activity and the relative ease with which sharing and exchanging of beliefs and cultures took place, all helped to make living in Malta a unique experience. This particular setting must have induced Buonamico to study and travel. It undoubtedly helped to transform him into a man of his times – in the sense that he was ‘European’ in outlook – as may be appreciated from his professional training as a physician, his travel experiences and his literary accomplishments.