The arrival of the Order of St John triggered a paradigm shift in local demography. Given the minute size of Malta and Gozo, the Order’s dependence on its fleet proved to be vital. To this effect, the Order opted to plant its Convent (general quarters) in Cottonera, particularly the Birgu peninsula. The obsolete ramparts of Fort St Angelo were extensively remodelled to counter artillery fire, while the east flank and the neck of the peninsula bordered by Kalkara Bay and Bormla Creek were secured by an enceinte. More importantly, the seaside hamlet clustered around the Parochial Church of St Lawrence grew exponentially and transformed the Birgu peninsula into a closely-knit urban district.
The highlighted urban sprawl was mostly instigated by the crafting of the Collachio, which comprised the official buildings and residential units of the Order. Collectively, the official buildings were called the Convent, and included the Grand Master’s Palace, the Conventual Church, the Sacra Infermeria (hospital), the Auberges of the respective Langues, and other public utilities like the Castellenia (courts of law). Originally, the Grand Master’s Palace, which pivoted the Order’s governance, was located within Fort St Angelo, but following the election of Jean de Valette in 1557, this was relocated to the neighbourhood of St Philip. Two other buildings of great importance consisted of the Sacra Infermeria and the Conventual Church. The former personified the initial raison d’etre of the Knights of St John as hospitallers in the service of pilgrims to the Holy Land, whereas the Conventual Church was fundamental for any religious order. The latter occupied the Parochial Church of St Lawrence.
Other components of major relevance were the Auberges and the residence of the Chaplains of the Order. The Auberges housed the headquarters of the respective Langues, namely: (1) Aragon, Catalunya and Navarre, (2) Castille, Lyon and Portugal, (3) Provence, (4) Auvergne, (5) France, (6) Italy, (7) Germany, and (8) England. Collectively, these made up the Catholic world of the time. Each Langue was assigned a specific role in the administration of the Order. Indeed, the Langue of Aragon, Catalunya and Navarre administered the main supply of victuals, the Langue of Castille, Lyon and Portugal took charge of foreign affairs, the Langue of Provence managed the finances, the artillery and the armoury, the Langue of Auvergne oversaw the armed forces, the Langue of France ran the hospital, the Langue of Italy superintended the fleet, the Langue of Germany directed the building and maintenance of the fortifications, while the Langue of England masterminded the cavalry and coastal watch.
By default, the Auberges served as administrative centres and as residences for several members. The latter included the Grand Prior (head) and the young members of the same Langue. Furthermore, other members based overseas stayed in these premises while on the island. The Auberges also doubled up as a social club for the members of its Langue and were thereby equipped with a hall for the holding of meetings and lunches. Corresponding amenities were created for the Chaplains of Obedience. Notwithstanding the fact that the Order of St John was a lay brethren (i.e. the knights were not ordained priests), it had the faculty to enrol diocesan priests to administer the Conventual Church and render spiritual services to the sick and all its members. Said Chaplains of Obedience fell beyond the jurisdiction of the Diocesan Authorities.
In addition to the highlighted amenities, the Collachio also contained the private residences of the knights. As a matter of fact, most knights only resided in the Auberges for a few years after following their enrolment. The Collachio, therefore, occupied the greater share of the Birgu peninsula, in particular the East and North segments, which were still mostly free from buildings in 1530. Then, following the transfer of the Convent to Valletta in 1581, most of the vacated buildings were repurposed. For instance, the former Sacra Infermeria metamorphed into the Monastery of St Scholastica, whereas the Castellenia became the seat of the Roman Inquisition. Other buildings were replaced by later developments, while the devastating World War II air raids claimed a good chunk of the time-honoured urban fabric. Notwithstanding, the winding streets of the Collachio still preserve notable elements from the 16th century.
