Gregorio Carafa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gregorio Carafa
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| Grand Master of the Order of Saint John | |
| In office 2 May 1680 – 21 July 1690 |
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| Preceded by | Nicolas Cotoner |
| Succeeded by | Adrien de Wignacourt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 March 1615 Castelvetere (modern Caulonia) Calabria |
| Died | 21 July 1690 (aged 75) Malta |
| Resting place | St. John's Co-Cathedral |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Order of Saint John |
| Battles/wars | Battle of the Dardanelles |
Fra Gregorio Carafa was an important leader of the Order of Saint John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. He was the 61st Grand Master of this order, serving from 1680 until he passed away in 1690. He came from a noble family called the House of Carafa.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Joining the Order
Gregorio Carafa was born in Castelvetere, Italy, on March 17, 1615. His family was very important. He joined the Order of Saint John when he was only three months old, in June 1615.
He studied in Naples, and many important knights helped with his education. In 1635, he went to Catalonia with his uncle. Carafa quickly became a Knight Grand Cross of the Order. After his uncle died, he became the Prior general of Rocella.
Restoring Peace and Order
In 1647, Carafa helped during the Masaniello revolt in Naples. He tried to bring peace back to the city. After the rebels were defeated, he was sent to Calabria to stop another uprising there. Because of his actions, he was given command of the Order's fleet.
In 1656, he led seven Maltese ships in the Battle of the Dardanelles. In this battle, the combined fleet of Venice and Malta won a great victory. As a reward, Malta received 11 captured Ottoman ships. This was a very big defeat for the Ottomans at sea.
After this important victory, Carafa was welcomed as a hero in Malta. He then worked to improve the Order's fleet and reclaimed some wetlands near Bormola.
Becoming Grand Master
Leading the Order
In 1680, Gregorio Carafa was chosen to be the Grand Master of the Order. This happened after the previous Grand Master, Nicolas Cotoner, died.
In the same year he became Grand Master, Carafa paid to fix up the Auberge d'Italie. This building was rebuilt in the beautiful Baroque style. A bronze statue of Carafa's head was placed above the main door. His family's coat of arms was also carved near the statue.
Strengthening Malta's Defenses
From 1681, Fort Saint Angelo was made stronger and rebuilt. This was done by an architect named Carlos de Grunenbergh, at Carafa's request. Carafa's name is on a plaque above the fort's main gate.
During his time as Grand Master, the Order's navy was very powerful. Their ships were led by knights and had experienced crews. Carafa was worried about an attack from the Ottoman Empire. So, in 1687, he made Fort Saint Elmo stronger. He built new defenses around the fortress, which are known as the Carafa Enceinte.
Other Changes
During Carafa's rule, Playing Cards were introduced in Malta.
Gregorio Carafa passed away on July 21, 1690. He was buried in the Chapel of the Langue of Italy inside St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta. Adrien de Wignacourt became the next Grand Master.
Images for kids
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Coat of arms of Carafa from a demolished building, now located at Auberge d'Italie
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Bronze bust of Carafa at Auberge d'Italie
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Plaque at Fort Saint Angelo making a reference to Carafa
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Carafa Enceinte at Fort Saint Elmo
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Tomb of Carafa at the St. John's Co-Cathedral
See also
