Maltese education, in particular, took a significant leap forward under the Knights, with the foundation, in 1592, of the "Collegium Melitense", precursor to today's University of Malta, through the intercession of Pope Clement VIII. As a result, the University of Malta is one of the oldest extant universities in Europe, and the oldest Commonwealth university outside of the United Kingdom. The School of Anatomy and Surgery was established by Grand Master Fra Nicolás Cotoner at the "Sacra Infermeria" in Valletta, in 1676. The "Sacra Infermeria" itself was known as one of the finest and most advanced hospitals in Europe.