The Valette Crystal Cross

Museum of the Order of St John

This free ten-minute lunchtime talk will tell the story of this beautiful crystal cross which is nearly 500 years old. It was created at a time when clear glass was only just being developed and engravers of rock crystal were considered engravers of light itself. The inscriptions in the gilt-bronze hint to its significance as a gift from Pope Pius V to Grand Master of the Order of St John, Jean de la Valette, and the inscriptions around Valette’s name read Unus decem millia vicit, One conquers 10,000. Come and listen to the talk to find out why.

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