Caterina Vitale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caterina Vitale
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| Born | 1566 |
| Died | 1619 (aged 52–53) |
| Resting place | Carmelite Church, Valletta |
| Nationality | Greek |
| Known for | 1st Maltese woman pharmacist and chemist, Knights Hospitaller pharmacist |
| Spouse(s) | Ettore Vitale |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | |
| Institutions | Knights Hospitaller |
Caterina Vitale (1566–1619) was a very important woman in the history of Malta. She was the first female pharmacist and chemist in Malta. She was also the first female pharmacist to work for the Knights Hospitaller, a famous group of knights.
Early Life and Career
Caterina Vitale was born in Greece in 1566. When she was a teenager, she married Ettore Vitale. He was also a pharmacist for the Knights Hospitaller.
After her husband died in 1590, Caterina took over his pharmacy business. She also took on the important job of supplying medicines to the Sacra Infermeria. This was a very large and important hospital in Malta at the time.
A Successful Businesswoman
Caterina Vitale was known as a very successful businesswoman. She managed her pharmacy well and became very rich. It was unusual for a woman to hold such a powerful business position in her time.
Because of her unique role, she was a well-known figure. She was also a generous person. She gave a lot of her money to help the Carmelites, a religious group. This made her a benefactor, someone who gives money to good causes.
Later Life and Legacy
Caterina Vitale passed away in 1619 in Syracuse. Her body was brought back to Valletta, Malta. She was buried in the Carmelite Church there. Inside the church, you can find her tombstone. Near hers is the tombstone of Caterina Scappi. She was another important woman who started the first hospital for women in Malta.
When Caterina Vitale died, she left much of her wealth to help others. She gave part of her money and her property, Selmun Palace, to a group called the Monte della Redenzione degli Schiavi. This group worked to free Maltese people who had been captured and forced into slavery. She also left money to the Order of Malta, to her niece, to the Carmelites, and to the Greek Church.
See also
In Spanish: Caterina Vitale para niños
