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Striking and highly decorative map of the islands of Malta and Goza, with a large plan of the capital city of Valletta and a view of the City.

This map, created by Johann Baptist Homann in the early 18th century, provides a striking image of the islands of Malta and Gozo, emphasizing their strategic significance and historical associations with the Knights Hospitaller.  

The main map portrays Malta and Gozo, with meticulously engraved topographical details highlighting settlements, fortifications, and natural features. The inset map in the lower-left corner focuses on Valletta and its surroundings. It provides a detailed plan of the fortified city, including notable bastions, fortifications, and the harbors—Porto Grande and Porto di Marsa. Valletta's grid-like street layout is clearly visible, along with landmarks such as Fort Saint Elmo and the distinctive peninsulas of Senglea and Vittoriosa, marked as Città Nuova and Cotonera. An accompanying key enumerates 20 points of interest, underlining the city’s importance as a fortified maritime hub for the Knights of Saint John. 

Below the inset map is a view of Valletta from the sea, titled Munificentissima Urbis Maltæ versus Orientem prospectus. The view captures the grandeur of Valletta's skyline, framed by the imposing bastions, domes, and masts of ships in the bustling harbor.  

The title cartouche, set in the upper-right corner, is an elaborate allegorical composition celebrating Malta's religious and military heritage. The cartouche features the Knights Hospitaller in full regalia, holding their emblematic cross-adorned banners, signifying their role as defenders of Christianity. Surrounding them are cherubic figures bearing symbols of victory and faith, such as a chalice and a crucifix. The heavenly clouds and angelic figures elevate the Knights' mission, portraying them as divinely guided warriors. 

To the right of the inset map of Valletta, a large decorative vignette adds further allegorical richness. A martial figure, likely representing Malta or a knight, sits amidst cannonballs, weaponry, and a cannon, reflecting the islands’ militarized history. Ships sail in the background, hinting at the pivotal naval engagements that shaped Malta’s history, such as the Great Siege of 1565.  

This map not only serves as a geographic representation of the islands but also as a celebration of their strategic and cultural significance. The artistic elements reflect Malta’s storied history, its association with the Knights Hospitaller, and its critical role in the defense of Europe during the early modern period. It is a masterful example of the synthesis of art and science in early 18th-century cartography.