Caterina Vitale


Caterina Vitale was the first female pharmacist and chemist in Malta, and the first female pharmacist of the Knights Hospitaller.
Caterina Vitale was originally from Greece. She married Ettore Vitale, pharmacist of the Knights Hospitaller. Upon his death in 1590, she inherited his pharmacy and the task of providing pharmacies to the Sacra Infermeria. She was described as a successful businessperson, became very rich, and is known as a benefactor of the Carmelites. She died in 1619 at Syracuse and her body was brought to Valletta and buried at the Carmelite Church.