Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck

Church in Valletta

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Smconwell

The Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck is one of Valletta's most spiritually significant and architecturally rich landmarks, dedicated to the Apostle Paul, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Malta. Hidden along St. Paul Street, this 16th-century church stands as a powerful symbol of faith and national identity. The site's origins date back to the founding of Valletta itself, when the Knights of St. John commissioned its construction to honor the saint's miraculous survival after his shipwreck off the Maltese coast in 60 AD — an event that forever linked Malta to early Christianity.

Architecturally, the church reflects the city's Baroque splendor while maintaining an intimate, reverent atmosphere. Its façade, rebuilt in the 1880s by architect Nicolò Zammit, blends classical elegance with Maltese limestone grandeur. Inside, the richly decorated interior glows with gilded stonework, marble altars, and ornate paintings that narrate scenes from St. Paul's life. The vaulted ceiling, adorned with frescoes by Attilio Palombi, adds a sense of divine drama, while soft light filtering through the windows enhances the church's solemn beauty.

Among the church's most treasured relics are a piece of St. Paul's wrist bone and part of the column on which he was reportedly beheaded in Rome. These relics are preserved with deep reverence and are carried through the streets of Valletta each year on February 10, during the Feast of St. Paul's Shipwreck. This grand celebration fills the city with music, lights, and devotion, drawing both locals and visitors to honor the saint who, according to tradition, converted the island's first inhabitants to Christianity.

Beyond its religious significance, the Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck remains a cornerstone of Maltese heritage — a living monument that bridges faith, art, and history. It continues to function as an active parish church, welcoming worshippers and visitors alike. Whether you come to admire its art, reflect on its sacred relics, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet in the heart of Valletta, St. Paul's stands as a lasting reminder of Malta's enduring spiritual roots and the legacy of the Apostle who changed its course forever.

The Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

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