Marble Tombstones - highly decorated expressions of triumph

One of the most precious treasures at St John’s is the splendid inlaid marble floor. The entire nave is covered with marble tombstones which commemorate some of the most illustrious Knights of the Order.

All the tombstones are to original designs and composed of coloured inlaid marble. They date from the early 17th century to the late 18th century.

Each tombstone is highly decorated with expressions of triumph, fame and death. Skeletons and skulls are often included in the iconography of the tombstones.

Amongst the most popular symbols are the angel of fame blowing a trumpet and angels holding laurel wreaths as symbols of victory.

Several tombstones depict weapons and battle scenes as testimony of the Knights' chivalry. The epitaphs are in Latin and often describe their virtues and achievements.