Our story

Established in January 2015, Compagnia San Michele - Malta is a Maltese historical interpretation group and voluntary organisation. Our main intent is to stage educational displays and events that are as historically accurate as possible, focusing on the Late Medieval and Early Modern periods.

Through historical interpretation, our group offers experiential learning and collaborates with other entities and voluntary organisations - all in contribution to the preservation of our heritage.  

Compagnia San Michele is driven by its dedicated members and their passion for local history. Another primary objective of CSM is to function as a ‘research and study’ group, which in turn helps us deliver a more authentic and professional product to the public. A distinctive characteristic of the group is that each member is tasked with choosing a role he/she wishes to represent within one or multiple periods. The member then conducts in-depth research on the role chosen, assisted by a number of tools and resources, so as to fully understand and become able convincingly interpret it through Living History.

Some might wonder why a Maltese group has chosen an Italian name. This is all part of the historical aspect that is central to Compagnia San Michele. In the periods represented the Italian language was what is called the lingua franca; that is, the common language used in official documents and correspondence.

This is in no way playing down on the importance of the local language, but rather opening a window on the official language of the period.

The choice of Saint Michael is no coincidence. The Archangel is synonymous to the defence of the Catholic faith, a dominant theme integral to Maltese and European societies of the periods we represent. It is also documented that a cult of Saint Michael existed in Malta since at least the middle ages. The chapel of San Mikiel is-Sancir in Rabat – said to be one of, if not the oldest medieval chapel on the island, is testament to this devotion.

In addition to the ecclesiastical aspect of the Archangel one can also find a number of military references to the same saint on the islands. These include two forts in the harbour area alone Fort St. Michael in Senglea and Fort St. Angelo in Vittoriosa, as well as other fortifications elsewhere.