Knights of the Mediterranean

We've all heard of the Knights of Malta, but most are much more to say when and how he became famous. Apparently, only one - the Knights lived in Malta. Therefore, it is necessary that the heart of the Mediterranean, between filling the gaps in education and at the same time, ideal for relaxing. All flags will be visiting Malta namIstoriyu determined by its location. Long before it finds the word "tourism", a group of islands in the heart of the Mediterranean, attracted foreigners. And their goals were far from the tour. But the Maltese never fought wars of liberation, the best, since they are the same men at his residence on the island, in the worst case, did - the "old" fought against the invaders "new". And the islanders now "spiritually enriched", the Arabs, who are "marked" colored wooden balconies with narrow openings at the sides, through which the world had once provided are not free women from the east, and some of the features of the language in the United Kingdom -. LHD, tea with milk, a second state language, red telephone booths, and a love of football from. French -. a monument of Gavroche in Valletta, the love of wine and a lot of old Citroen huge impact on Malta, and has close neighbors - the Italians, who first "discovered" the island, located 90 km. From Sicily IerusalimaDazhe carefully avoided road trip, the Knights of Malta "escape" impossible to keep reminding me. Watchtowers along the coast, the majestic palaces and castles, cathedrals, and even names. It was within 270 years, the Knights of Malta, who have done that themselves, "The soft sandstone rock," a powerful and flourishing island fortifications of the capital, envy of the great powers of Europe's behalf. As a general rule, put things in order. In the archipelago of Jerusalem Knights of Malta Knights of St. John (the full name of the Order) came to Rhodes in 1530. According to legend, Charles V offered the knights as a new "headquarters" of Malta and Tripoli. Neither one nor the other, who do not like, but for some reason, the Knights believes that the worst place in Tripoli is not easy. To see only the aristocrats who have taken a vow of chastity, poverty and obedience, was obtained. I must say that in reality nothing of the vote almost never used. To see this, simply visit Valletta - a city founded by the Knights, and the modern capital of Malta. Hospital and teatrSvoey "square-cluster" plan of Valletta, says Peter, of course, no rivers and canals on the island, there is no reservoirs. We see immediately that the city built the army, in this case - the knights. The city lies on a peninsula, so that each line begins or ends in the sea So what could be considered a surprise the enemy from a distance. Curious, but the "elite" is considered a key element of the city, where restaurants, shops and other fruits of civilization, rather than fill. Closer to the sea, ruined houses, cars cheap, democratic government. Each tour begins at the Cathedral of St. John - "calling card" of Valletta. A large rectangular building with a stern facade of the temple is more reminiscent of the armory, or a very large barn. In particular, it would be if it were not for the interior. The word "luxury" is not a hundredth part of what you feel, go to the cathedral. Not necessary to describe, suffice to say that the cathedral you can see two large paintings of Caravaggio. It is no coincidence that members of the Order of St. John calls - they built a hospital in all seasons. In Valletta, clinic sacred (Sacra Infermeria) with the largest room in the hospital (154 m). In the large room, divided only by the screens once stood next to people of all nationalities, religions and backgrounds. Take care of them all, without exception, the knights, including the Grand Master (among other things, the second person in the Christian world after the Pope). Today, the building contains a conference center with a cinema and a banquet hall. In the latter case, they say, is to stop being members of the Order, which officially does not exist. In Valletta, a must-panels, the Grand Master's Palace, located along the city wall, and a cup of coffee in the courtyard of the theater, "Manuel". One of the three oldest theater in Europe, was built by the Knights as an apartment building, a dance hall, then used as a cinema. Today, "Manuel," working "live" date. Russia sledV 1797 Order of Malta was "broken" by the French Revolution, therefore, requested the support of the powerful. The strongest was Paul I, who became the patron saint of the knights of this was of great importance, the Tsar of Russia, especially economic university paid for 300,000 of gold per year. In 1798, he was charged after the conquest of Malta by the French master of Fernando Gompesh of cowardice and shameful capitulation of the loss of the goods of the Order and its treasury. In August, he was deposed, and Paul I, proclaimed the Grand Master. I have to say, since Russia is not lost due to a small group of islands in the Mediterranean. It seems that there is much to learn from the history of our country. And see for yourself, run the icon, the first woman cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova Malta. All this may sound strange everywhere, but not in Malta no curiosity - a matter of national pride. Tour