New & now
Preserving history! Check out this remarkable Knights of St John survey of Malta’s land
A land survey is also known as a ‘Cabrei’.

Emma Galea

In a recent post published by ‘The Malta Study Center, Hill Museum & Manuscript Library’, one can view an amazing piece of Maltese history.

The photos uploaded show what is traditionally known as a ‘Cabrei’, also known as a land survey.

This unique looking book is one full of records, detailing “information on properties of the commanderies, including the buildings, rents, and produce”.

Such a kind of survey continues to give us a more realistic and detailed glimpse into what the times of the Knights of St John looked like here in Malta. 

This unique document was being studied during this winter’s, ‘Malta and the Order of St John in Europe (16th-18th centuries). Documents, People, Institutions’, being held at the Archivio di Stato di Firenze in Italy.

Such a document continues to help ‘The Malta Study Center, Hill Museum & Manuscript Library’ on its mission of the digital preservation of the cultural heritage of Malta and the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.

5th February 2024


Emma Galea
Written by
Emma Galea
Emma is a Gozitan writer who loves all things related to English literature and history. When not busy studying or writing you will either find her immersed in a fictional book or at the cinema trying to watch as many films as she possibly can!

You may also like...
New & now
New & now
The long-anticipated agreement will come into effect in January.

Lyndsey Grima
New & now
New & now
A small but significant contributor to the island’s biodiversity!

Lyndsey Grima
New & now
New & now
Their swift and effective work deserves more recognition!

Lyndsey Grima
New & now
New & now
These new rules come following complaints from coastal residents.

Lyndsey Grima
New & now
New & now
Celebrating Malta’s slithering pest-controllers this International Snake Day!

Francesca Vella