Knights of the Order of Malta in the Kolowrat Family

The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta is one of the oldest Catholic orders in the world. In Bohemia, the Order has been operating continuously since the 12th century, except during the two occupations. Its goal is to effectively help the needy, which is why throughout history has been known primarily in connection with the establishment of hospitals and hospices. Today, the Order of Malta focuses on charity. Six Grand Priories were founded in the world, one of which is in Prague. Several personalities from the Kolowrat family were members of the Order of Malta, and three of them became Grand Priors, heads of the Czech faction of the Order.

One of these was General and Lieutenant Field Marshal Emanuel Václav Kajetán Count Krakowský of Kolowrat, who made a name for himself as commander of the victorious army at the battle of Kolín (18 June 1757). He had been predestined for the Order of Malta at the early age of three by his parents. Upon completing his studies, he traveled to Malta, where he stayed with the Grand Master of the Order. In 1754, he was named 51st Czech Grand Prior. During his time in the Order, he undertook the reconstruction of several churches in his commendas and the building of the residential seat for members of the Order.

In 1819, Commanding General and Lieutenant Field Marshal Vincenc Maria Count Kolowrat-Liebsteinský (1749–1824) became the 54th Grand Prior. He achieved a great military career, during which he received many awards, such as the Cross of the Military Order of Maria Theresa and the Commander’s Cross. He commanded the 4th Russian-Austrian Infantry Column at the Battle of Austerlitz (December 2, 1805). On November 23, 1823, he was awarded Order of the Golden Fleece for his merit by Emperor Francis II., and in the same year he also received the Grand Cross of the French Order of the Legion of Honor.

František Xaver II. Count Krakowsky of Kolowrat dedicated his entire life to the Soveriegn Order of Malta. He held various positions, from Receptor to envoy to the imperial court. In 1867, he was even elected 58th Czech Grand Prior. During his time of functioning in the Order, he initiated the establishment of the first military hospital of the Order of Malta. He was responsible for the completion of Strakonice Castle and the reconstruction of the Motol Chateau. He was a Knight of Order of Leopold and Commander of the Portuguese Order of Christ.



Emanuel Václav Kajetán Count Krakowský of Kolowrat (1700–1769)
Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta – Czech Grand Priory



František Xaver II. Count Krakowský of Kolowrat (1803–1873)
Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta – Czech Grand Priory