The holy infirmary of the Order of St. John at Valletta

Abstract

The hospital of the Knights of the Order of St. John, known as the Holy Infirmary, was erected at the time of Grand Master Jean de Ia Cassiere, on a site overlooking the curtain of St. Lazarus, near Fort St. Elmo. The work was started in 1574. Originally, the hospital consisted of a very large hall , which in later years was extended backwards, during the rule of Grand Master Raphael Co toner (1660-63) and of his brother Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner (1663- 80). In 1712 Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccafull (1697-1720) enlarged the hospital, by the addition of an extension, abutting on Merchants Street, housing the Chapel of The Blessed Sacrament and a pharmacy.