Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

What whispers echo within the walls of the Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta? Here in San Marino, this embassy represents a unique entity, a sovereign order with a history stretching back centuries. The Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta isn’t just a building. It’s a symbol of a diplomatic relationship carefully nurtured since 1935. Back then, a concordat solidified the bond between San Marino and the Order, recalling their historical ties. This agreement wasn’t just about diplomacy. San Marino dedicated a ward in the Hospital of the Misericordia to the Order. They also dedicated a chapel to Saint John the Baptist, the Order’s protector. This chapel, originally the private oratory of Palazzo Valloni, became a sacred space. Grand Masters, including Fra’ Ludovico Chigi Albani in 1935, have prayed within its walls. The insignia of the Grand Cross Bailiff and the Magistral Bull are also kept there. The relationship continues to evolve. In 2015, a Memorandum of Agreement outlined joint efforts in disaster relief and training between San Marino’s Civil Protection Service and the Order’s Italian Relief Corps (CISOM). More recently, in 2019, Professor Marcello Celestini presented his credentials as the Order’s new ambassador to San Marino. The Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta acts as a physical representation of this ongoing partnership. The Grand Priory of Lombardy and Venice, along with its Delegation, are present in San Marino, working to uphold the Order’s humanitarian mission. The embassy stands as a testament to a connection forged in history and dedicated to service.