Israel-Malta Joint Stamp Issue 2014 - "The Knights Hospitaller Halls in Acre and Valletta"
The relationship between Malta and Israel dates back many years. Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were established upon Malta gaining independence in 1964.
The two countries share a common connection as the Sovereign Military Order of St John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta (SMOM) occupied both at some stage. Today relations between the two countries and their people continue to flourish in the areas of trade, technology, science, energy, culture and tourism.
About Malta's Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta
Situated on the periphery of the historical city of Valletta and overlooking the Grand Harbour, the Mediterranean Conference Centre was formerly known as the Sacra Infermeria of the Order. It was constructed as a hospital in the late 16th century by the Order. The halls of the Sacra Infermeria were lined with hundreds of beds for the sick and the injured who were treated with the utmost care and attention.
This Centre is the largest conference centre in Malta and boasts a total of eight halls and four syndicate rooms over an area of 7,000 sq. meters with a capacity of up to 1,400 persons.
About Israel's Knight's Hall in Acre
The Knights' Halls built by the Hospitallers in Acre were unearthed in archaeological excavations and have become a popular tourist site. The most impressive building in the complex is the Order of the Knights Hospitallers' dining room. Its domes and arches intersect in the gothic style that developed in France and Italy in the 12th century and also appeared in Acre.
