Order of the Maltese Ionnites

Gold, enamel Most common names: Maltese Order, Maltese hospitaliers order, Ionnite order, maltese order of saint John of Jerusalem.
The Maltese Order (the Order of Hospitallers) was created in 1099 in the community of brothers of hospital of St. John in Jerusalem, who looked after the pilgrims, the poor and the ill. Since 1834, the house on Maltese Square in Rome is the official residence of the Maltese Order, ruled by Grand Master, elected for life, and the Order’s administration. As organization and as decoration, the order is international. The represented order insignia was made in Austria. Motto of the Order: TUITIO FIDEI ET OBSEQUIUM PAUPERUM, meaning «Defence of the faith and serving the poor»