Toni Bajada


Toni Bajjada was a Maltese spy for the Knights of Saint John during the Great Siege of Malta. He was born in Naxxar.

Siege of Malta

The most famous of the Maltese spies, Bajjada is said to have learned the Turkish language during years of captivity. Disguised as a Turk, he would infiltrate the enemy camps and along with the four other Maltese spies of the era, played a crucial role in intelligence gathering for the Christian side.
Personally chosen for the task by Grand Master Jean de Valette, Bajada also became famous for swimming at length to carry secret messages in and out of the besieged cities of Birgu and Senglea.

Legacy

Toni Bajjada continues to enjoy fame and respect as a folk hero in Malta and streets were named in his honour in Valletta, St Paul's Bay and Naxxar.

In popular culture

Toni Bajada is the main protagonist of the book Toni Bajada The Maltese Messenger of the Grand Master by Italian author Emilio Lombardi.