Saint Paul's Cathedral, Mdina (must see)

Saint Paul’s Cathedral is a magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle and one of Mdina’s most important religious landmarks.

Originally founded in the 12th century, the cathedral’s history is intertwined with a famous tradition. According to legend, it stands on the very spot where the Roman governor Publius met Saint Paul following the Apostle’s shipwreck on Malta. This connection has made the cathedral an important place of pilgrimage and religious significance.

The earlier cathedral suffered severe damage during the devastating 1693 Sicily earthquake. It was subsequently dismantled and rebuilt in the Baroque style between 1696 and 1705 under the direction of renowned Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà. Saint Paul’s Cathedral is considered one of his masterpieces, displaying the elegance and grandeur characteristic of Maltese Baroque architecture.

The cathedral serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta. Since the 19th century, however, this role has been shared with Saint John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, another of the island’s most important religious landmarks.

The cathedral’s richly decorated interior has plenty to offer. Step into the soaring nave to admire the intricate marble tomb-slab flooring and frescoed dome overhead. Look closely at the colourful marble tombstones, whose Latin inscriptions commemorate former bishops, members of the clergy and other prominent figures.

Walk towards the high altar to admire the impressive altarpiece depicting the shipwreck of Saint Paul. Other highlights include the fine silver furnishings, elaborate choir stalls and richly decorated side chapels.

Directly south of the cathedral stands the Cathedral Museum, established in 1897. Its extensive collection includes ecclesiastical and secular artefacts dating from the 14th to the early 20th century, including religious vestments, historic furniture, paintings and coins. One of its greatest artistic treasures is a remarkable collection of 76 original prints by renowned German artist Albrecht Dürer. The museum also preserves medieval panels and other works that provide further insight into Malta’s religious and artistic heritage.

After exploring the cathedral, head across the square to the museum entrance to discover another fascinating layer of Mdina’s history.