The formation of the architect-engineer, perito and agrimensore, and their regulation by the Order of St John in eighteenth-century Malta

Abstract

The foundation of Valletta in 1566 catalysed the development of the Maltese landscape. Malta in the early modern period was greatly modified by substantial development. By the eighteenth-century, foreign visitors arriving in Malta's harbour pictured the place as 'surrounded by high rocks, other parts by flat landscape. Everywhere one could see towns and a bit deeper inside there were plenty of country villas, gardens and streets'. The early modern landscape was shaped by the architect-engineer, perito and agrimensore, central figures in its development as planned by the Order of St. John. Their involvement which related to the planning, management and regulation of development is seen at a strategic and micro level. The shaping of this landscape and its re-engineering followed strategies planned mainly by foreign military engineers. At a micro level, the design of a civil or ecclesiastical building was drawn by foreign resident engineers and local architects. Both levels of development were executed by the resident engineers and local capi maestri. The management of this landscape was on the other hand the role and task of the Maltese perito and agrimensore, who dealt with the technical aspects involving surveys, property valuations and the drawing of the measured areas.