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St. Paul's Cathedral

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St. Paul's Cathedral (Malta)

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St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina stands as the city's spiritual heart and a pinnacle of Maltese Baroque architecture. It is traditionally believed to be built on the exact site where St. Paul the Apostle was greeted by the Roman Governor Publius following his shipwreck in 60 AD. The current cathedral was constructed between 1696 and 1705 to the designs of architect Lorenzo Gafà, after the previous Norman-style church was destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. Its majestic facade and iconic silver dome dominate the Mdina skyline, visible from across the island. The interior is lavishly decorated with intricate marble inlay floors, ceiling frescoes, and significant altarpieces by the renowned artist Mattia Preti. A key feature of the interior is the collection of ornate marble tomb slabs covering the floor, commemorating various canons and noble families. The cathedral continues to serve as the seat of the Archbishop of Malta, remaining a vital site for both religious devotion and historical study.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The cathedral is open daily to visitors, with an entry fee. The interior featuring the magnificent high altar and side chapels can be explored.
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Typical hours
The cathedral typically has fixed opening hours from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, shorter on Sundays and holidays. Check the official website for exact times.
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Photography
Indoor photography is usually allowed without flash, but restricted in some areas. The dome and the altarpiece are popular subjects.
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Time needed
A visit lasts about 45 minutes to an hour to explore the main aisles and museum. Seeing the crypt and treasury requires extra time.
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Combine with
The cathedral is in the fortified city of Mdina, itself a major attraction. A walk along the city walls and a visit to the Mdina Cathedral Museum complement each other well.
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Getting there
By bus from Valletta, take route 51, 52, or 53 to the Mdina stop; the journey takes about 30 minutes. The bus stop is right at the city gate.
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Insider tip
Combine your visit with a stroll through Mdina's quiet streets early in the morning. Avoid midday when cruise ships bring large crowds.

Geography

Coordinates
35.88640, 14.40390

Facts

  • Construction years: 1696–1705
  • Architect: Lorenzo Gafà
  • Style: Maltese Baroque
  • Key artist: Paintings by Mattia Preti
  • Significance: Seat of the Archbishop of Malta
  • Feature: Intricate marble tomb slabs on the floor

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mdina (The Silent City)Mdina (The Silent City)<1 km · SWExplore →
Mtaħleb ValleyMtaħleb Valley2 km · SWExplore →
Victoria Lines FaultVictoria Lines Fault3 km · NExplore →
Meridiana Wine EstateMeridiana Wine Estate3 km · EExplore →
Buskett GardensBuskett Gardens3 km · SEExplore →
Mosta DomeMosta Dome3 km · NEExplore →
DingliDingli3 km · SWExplore →
Bahrija PlateauBahrija Plateau4 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Paul's Cathedral (10)

St. Paul's Cathedral

Cathedral in Mdina dedicated to the Apostle Paul.

♿

Mużew tal-Katidral tal-Mdina🏛 museum

Museum in Malta housing sacred art and historical artifacts.

🕒 Mo-Sa 09:30-17:00💶

Knisja ta' Santu Rokku

Church building in Mdina dedicated to Saint Roch.

Palazzo Santa Sofia

Palace in Mdina, a historic medieval building.

Mdina

Fortified hilltop city, former capital of Malta.

Palazzo Falson🏛 museum

Medieval townhouse in Mdina, now a museum with period rooms.

Knisja tal-Lunzjata

Church in Mdina dedicated to the Annunciation.

Annunciation Church🏛 museum

Church in Mdina dedicated to the Annunciation of Mary.

Bastion Square

Square on the fortification wall with views over the Maltese landscape.

Mdina Gate

City gate in Mdina, main entrance to the fortified old town.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours?
Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:45 PM. Generally closed to tourists on Sundays.
Does the ticket include the museum?
Yes, the combined ticket is valid for both the cathedral and the museum located opposite.
Is there a dress code?
Shoulders and knees must be covered. Shawls are often provided at the entrance.
What is worth seeing inside?
The colourful marble floor with tombstones and the ceiling fresco are particularly impressive.
Who built the cathedral?
It was built in the late 17th century by the architect Lorenzo Gafà in Baroque style.
St. Paul's Cathedral: where is it located?
St. Paul's Cathedral is located in Malta.
St. Paul's Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include St. Paul's Cathedral, Mużew tal-Katidral tal-Mdina, Knisja ta' Santu Rokku.
St. Paul's Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
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