This invasion campaign is known as one of the bloodiest and most fiercely defended siege wars in European history. Until that war, Ottoman Empire had the image of invincibility over Europe. Malta Knights were kicked by Ottoman from their homeland Rhodes in 1922 before and Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor offered them to stay in Malta in 1530. The Knights accepted the offer reluctantly because compared to Rhodes, Malta was a small, desolate island. They had always dreams of recapturing Rhodes again. The Order of Knights soon turned into a naval army, preying on Ottoman ships.

Ottomans' attention soon turned back to Malta both for knights' activities and for the crucial strategic position of the Malta Island for further Mediterranean invasion. Almost 6,000 soldiers from Malta including knights, Spanish, Italian, Greek soldiers fought against 30,000 warriors of Ottoman army.

After several trials for months, Ottomans had to end the invasion campaign with almost 25,000 casualties. Over one third of Malta population and knights also was wiped out.

The victory of a such tiny island alone (later with the support from Europe) against a formidable empire was a heroic event. It is considered as a down turning point for the Ottoman power on Mediterranean Sea by many historians. Maltese people also considers the event as a recognition of their national entity over Europe and celebrate the victory.

Valletta, the fortified harbor and capital city of Malta is the result of the efforts to protect the city for coming ages after the great siege. You can see everywhere in Malta, the feel of that knights times.