Brief Biography
Nicolas Cotoner succeeded his brother Rafael as Grand Master.
Sources: Order of Malta: The Grand Masters; Wikipedia: Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller.
Life and service to the Order
During his long tenure the great defensive works around Malta were extended and Mattia Preti's decoration of St John's church was completed.
On Malta the Order developed hospitals, fortifications and a maritime presence while governing the islands. Its religious and charitable purposes continued alongside these public responsibilities.
Historical context: Order of Malta, The Grand Masters; History of the Order.
Further images from the archive
