St. John's Co-Cathedral

My Experience at St. John’s Co-Cathedral Even after living in Malta for twenty years, every time I enter St. John’s Co-Cathedral, I feel the same sense of wonder, as if I am stepping into a sacred dream. This place is truly gem; it holds a presence that is both powerful and peaceful. The golden walls shimmer with history, and the silence feels alive, filled with centuries of faith and devotion. The pavimento, with its intricate marble inlays, tells another story beneath my feet rest the tombs of the Knights and the clerics of the Order. Each stone is like a chapter of history, each symbol a reminder of honor, sacrifice, and belief. It feels as though their spirits still guard this holy place. And then, there is Caravaggio’s masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. No matter how many times I stand before it, I am always struck by its intensity. The light and darkness, the raw humanity, the silence that follows the violence it all reaches deep into the soul. It’s not just a painting; it’s a revelation in each single detail. As an Italian who has called Malta home for two decades, this cathedral feels like a bridge between my origins and my adopted island. Every visit reminds me that beauty, faith, and art can transcend time and language. St. John’s Co-Cathedral is not only a monument it is a living, breathing miracle.

St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta is one of Malta's most breathtaking and historically significant landmarks. It's a place that often leaves visitors in awe, as its relatively plain, fortress-like exterior gives no hint of the breathtaking artistic treasure within. From the outside, the cathedral, built between 1573 and 1578, reflects the military and austere character of Valletta, a city built by the Knights of St. John. Its design is attributed to the Maltese military architect Girolamo Cassar. It looks more like a fortress than a church, which was a deliberate choice in a city preparing for potential siege. Stepping inside is a genuinely jaw-dropping experience. The interior was lavishly redecorated in the 17th century in the High Baroque style, creating a stark and dramatic contrast with the exterior. The entire interior is covered in incredibly detailed and ornate gold gilt, intricate carvings, and magnificent frescoes. The cathedral was built as the conventual church for the Knights of St. John (also known as the Knights Hospitaller). The term "Co-Cathedral" came into use later, as it shares the seat of the Archbishop of Malta with the older Cathedral of St. Paul in Mdina. The church was designed to serve the Order's eight langues (or "tongues")—regional divisions based on the knights' places of origin in Europe (e.g., Provence, Auvergne, France, Italy, Germany, etc.). Each langue had its own dedicated chapel within the cathedral, which they decorated in competition with one another, leading to the incredible richness of the art on display. Without a doubt, the most famous artistic treasure in the Co-Cathedral is "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist" by the revolutionary Italian master Caravaggio.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral is an **absolutely majestic and lavish masterpiece**. From the moment you step inside, you're surrounded by **ornate baroque architecture, gilded details, and stunning frescoes** that reflect the grandeur of Malta’s rich history. The site is **exceptionally well maintained**, and every corner tells a story. The **audio guide is available directly on your smartphone**, making the visit smooth and informative. It’s a great way to explore at your own pace while learning about the cathedral’s fascinating background. ⏳ **Tip**: Be sure to **buy your tickets online** in advance — it helps you **skip the queue at the entrance**, especially during peak hours. A must-see in Valletta for anyone interested in art, history, or simply breathtaking architecture!

One of the best place to visit when you are in Malta. I recommend buying tickets in advance (skip the line one). Ticket for children under 12 is free. There is audio guide available at each section. Once you scan the qr code, you can listen to it. For few sections photography is prohibited so be wary of that. Most sections can be photographed with flash turned off at all times. My favourite section was the Caravaggio one. His paintings are hauntingly beautiful and you get to understand the composition, technique etc of the art. The Caravaggio show is only held on few dates so check and book in advance is recommended.

A stunning 16th century cathedral with every part of the floor made of marble and virtually everything else covered in gold! There are two paintings by the classical artist Caravaggio, The Beheading of St John the Baptist and the painting of St Jerome, the first person to translate the Greek New Testament into Latin. The audio guide is excellent so have your phone with you as you’ll use that to listen (recommended you have AirPods or similar) It’s worth booking in advance and avoiding the middle of the day as there are large groups from the cruise ships so you’ll end up queueing for a while. Absolutely worth the visit, it’s a must-see in Valletta.

St. John's Co-Cathedral is stunning, but don't miss these two excellent additions! 1) The Bell Room Tour: The half-hour tour is a must-do to understand the historical function of the bells. The ascent involves 99 steps, but it's very manageable as you stop three times for the guide's explanations. It was certainly not as difficult as climbing the dome in Florence! You also get a unique view of the Co-Cathedral's main corridor from above. 2) The Caravaggio Film: There is a room screening a short movie about the famous painter, St. John's most celebrated artist. Watch this first, then use the audio guide to explore the chapels afterwards for the best experience! *Don't forget to look down as you wander! The entire floor is covered in incredible, intricate marble tombstones for the Knights, making it a spectacular and solemn part of the viewing experience.

One of the best decorated churches in the world. It holds many paintings, the most famous one being the Beheading of St. John by Carvaggio, which due to Googles safety policies, I'm unable to show in this review. There is a nice interactive area describing how and when Carvaggio painted it. €15 to get in on the day, buy online to skip the queue outside. The staff were friendly and polite.

One of the most important cathedral in Malta. One of the most interesting churches I have ever visited in the Catholic world. Take a guide with you and discover much more than a church. And Caravaggio, ofcourse.