The Eight-Pointed Cross, now commonly known as the Maltese Cross, traces its origins to the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, Italy — home to devout merchants who founded the first hospice in Jerusalem in 1048. Since then, the cross has become the emblem of the Knights Hospitaller.
This distinctive cross features eight points, formed by four “V”-shaped arms joined at their tips.
Each of the four arms represents one of the Christian virtues: Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude. The eight points symbolize the eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) that flow from these virtues, as well as the eight Langues, or linguistic divisions, of the Order: Provence, France, Auvergne, Italy, Aragon, Allemagne (Germany), England, and Portugal (Castile). The cross is white, symbolizing the purity of life expected from those who dedicate themselves to defending the Christian faith and serving the poor and suffering.
Between 1530 and 1798, Malta served as the residence of the Order of St. John, the Knights Hospitaller.