Basilica of St Paul, Mdina

The Basilica of St. Paul in Rabat, stands as a historical and religious treasure deeply entwined with the rich tapestry of Maltese history. This venerable church is situated on a site that has witnessed centuries of transformation, beginning with its origins in the ancient Roman city of Melite, which encompassed the present-day areas of Mdina and much of Rabat.

It is worth noting that several churches preceded the current basilica, which itself was constructed in the 17th century. In 1336, Bishop Hilarius referred to the church as "ecclesia Sancti Pauli de crypta," acknowledging its existence and the presence of a cemetery and the remnants of a Roman ditch.

The present-day Basilica of St. Paul was commissioned to replace a previous church completed in 1578. This ambitious endeavor was made possible through the generous contributions of Guzmana Navarra, a noblewoman, and was executed based on architectural plans prepared by Francesco Buonamici. Construction commenced in 1653 and reached completion in 1683 under the skilled hands of Lorenzo Gafà.

Adjacent to the Basilica of St. Paul is a smaller church dedicated to St. Publius, which underwent renovations in 1692 and later in 1726 under the supervision of Salvu Borg. The historical significance of this religious complex is further underscored by its elevation to the status of a Minor Basilica in 2020.

The heart of the Basilica of St. Paul lies in its grotto, accessible through the adjoining church of St. Publius. This sacred space holds profound significance, as it is traditionally believed to be where St. Paul resided and preached during his three-month stay in Malta in 60 A.D. In 1748, Grand Master Pinto donated a statue of St. Paul to the grotto, further enhancing its sanctity. The grotto has received visits from various Popes, including Pope John Paul II in 1990 and 2001, Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, and most recently, Pope Francis during his apostolic journey to the Maltese islands in April 2022.