Explore the intricate artistry and profound spiritual heritage of the Order of St John in Threads of Faith – Liturgical Vestments of the Order of St John, a Heritage Malta exhibition now open at the Inquisitor’s Palace and the National Museum of Ethnography in Birgu, running until the end of July 2025.

This exhibition showcases historical Roman Catholic liturgical vestments – chasubles and dalmatics – worn by the clergy during religious rites and ceremonies throughout the Order’s rule on the islands (1530-1798), and even before that – with invaluable pieces dating to the late 15th century.

Grand Masters left a legacy of precious textile treasures to the nation. Some of the vestments on display, both from Heritage Malta’s National Textiles Collection and Birgu’s St Lawrence Collegiate Church, bear the insignia and coats of arms of Grand Masters of the Order.

Spanning from the 15th to the 17th century, these liturgical vestments serve as both symbols of devotion and masterpieces of textile art. From the earliest woven and embroidered examples starting from the 4th century to the more elaborate sets that emerged by the 12th century, each vestment showcases the Order’s reverence and commitment to spirituality.

The Order’s awe-inspiring legacy of rich fabrics — such as velvet, damask, and brocade — embellished with embroidery, braids, and precious jewels, underscore the intricate skill and care devoted to every detail.
These pieces represent the evolution of religious rites, reflecting the choice of liturgical colours, designs, and patterns that were carefully chosen to communicate faith through art.

Visitors to the Inquisitor’s Palace will experience a rare collection of preserved vestments from the Order of St John, many of which were once accompanied by matching liturgical paraments such as chalice covers, burses, and altar frontals. While time has claimed many of these treasures, those that remain offer invaluable insight into the artistic and divine legacy of the Order.

This exhibition is included in the Inquisitor’s Palace admission ticket. For more information about opening hours, visit Heritage Malta’s website.

Threads of Faith – Liturgical vestments of the Order of St John

Exhibition

01 Nov 2024 - 31 Jul 2025

Friday : 09.00 - 17.00

Birgu , Malta

Adult €6

Senior, Student €4.50

Children €3

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Address

Inquisitor’s Palace,

Main Gate Street,

Birgu ,

Malta

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