Alof de Wignacourt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alof de Wignacourt
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Official portrait of Wignacourt
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| Grand Master of the Order of Saint John | |
| In office 10 February 1601 – 14 September 1622 |
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| Monarch | King Philip II King Philip III |
| Preceded by | Martin Garzez |
| Succeeded by | Luís Mendes de Vasconcellos |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1547 France |
| Died | 14 September 1622 Malta |
| Resting place | St. John's Co-Cathedral |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Order of Saint John |
| Years of service | 1564–1622 |
| Rank | Grand Master |
| Battles/wars | Great Siege of Malta Raid of Żejtun |
Fra Alof de Wignacourt (born 1547, died 1622) was a French nobleman. He became the 54th leader, or Grand Master, of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. He led the Order from 1601 until his death in 1622. People in Malta liked him a lot. He is best known for building the Wignacourt Aqueduct. He also built many towers along the coast that are named after him.
Becoming Grand Master
Alof de Wignacourt joined the Order of St. John in 1564. He was just seventeen years old. A year later, he showed great bravery during the Great Siege of Malta. This was a very important battle.
He was chosen as Grand Master in 1601. To make sure people remembered his election, he made February 10th a special day. This day celebrates the shipwreck of St. Paul in Malta. People still celebrate it with great excitement today.
Building Projects in Malta
Wignacourt's time as Grand Master was famous for his building projects. He built several fortifications along the coast. These towers helped protect Malta from attacks.
He also built the Wignacourt Aqueduct. This amazing structure brought fresh water from the plateau near Rabat all the way to Valletta. The aqueduct was a huge help for the people living in the capital city.
Part of the aqueduct included the Wignacourt Arch. It was built between Birkirkara and Santa Venera. The arch had Wignacourt's family symbol on it. This symbol showed three fleur-de-lys, which are like lily flowers. Because of this, the arch was also called the Fleur-de-Lys Gate. A town grew up around this area. It is now known as Fleur-de-Lys. The three fleur-de-lys from his symbol are even on the flag of Santa Venera today.
Protecting Malta
During Wignacourt's rule, the Ottoman Empire tried to conquer Malta one last time. In 1614, about six thousand Ottoman soldiers landed at Marsascala Bay. They attacked the village of Żejtun.
However, the Knights' cavalry and brave Maltese civilians fought back. They managed to defeat the Ottoman forces. The Turks had to retreat, and not a single Christian soldier was lost. This was a great victory for Malta.
Art and Legacy
Wignacourt was a supporter of the famous artist Caravaggio. Caravaggio came to Malta in 1607. Wignacourt helped him until Caravaggio was arrested and left the Order in 1608.
Wignacourt's parade armour is still preserved today. It is one of the most important treasures in the armoury at the Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta.
Alof de Wignacourt died on September 14, 1622. He was 75 years old. He passed away suddenly while he was out shooting.
See also
- Wignacourt towers
- Portrait of Alof de Wignacourt and his Page
In Spanish: Alof de Vignacourt para niños
