Saint Paul's Cathedral, Mdina

Cathedral in Mdina

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Georg Karl Ell

Saint Paul's Cathedral is the spiritual and architectural heart of Mdina, rising above the honey-coloured lanes of Malta's ancient hilltop city. Tradition links this spot to the meeting between Saint Paul and the Roman governor Publius after the Apostle's shipwreck, which makes the cathedral feel less like just another Baroque church and more like a crossroads of early Christian history. For many visitors, it's one of the must-see places in Mdina, not just for believers but for anyone interested in how legend, art, and architecture intertwine.

Step through the main square and you immediately sense why Saint Paul's is a highlight of any walking tour of Mdina. The cathedral's pale stone façade, balanced dome and twin bell towers dominate the skyline, while inside you find a richly painted interior, marble tombstones and side chapels that tell centuries of Maltese stories. It's a place where you'll want to linger, letting your eyes travel from floor to ceiling as you soak up both the atmosphere and the details.

History and Significance of Saint Paul’s Cathedral
Things to See and Do in Saint Paul’s Cathedral
How to Get to Saint Paul’s Cathedral
Practical Tips on Visiting Saint Paul’s Cathedral
Where to Stay close to Saint Paul’s Cathedral
Is Saint Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Saint Paul’s Cathedral
Nearby Attractions to Saint Paul’s Cathedral

History and Significance of Saint Paul’s Cathedral

The roots of Saint Paul's Cathedral go back to a medieval church that stood here from at least the 12th century, long before Valletta existed and Mdina was still the island's political and religious centre. Local tradition holds that this is where Publius, the Roman governor, welcomed Saint Paul after the shipwreck recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, giving the site a powerful symbolic weight for Maltese Catholics. Over time, the church became the focal point of Mdina's religious life and a key landmark for pilgrims visiting Malta.

In 1693, a catastrophic earthquake devastated parts of Sicily and Malta, severely damaging the original cathedral. Rather than patching it up, the decision was taken to rebuild from the ground up, and the task fell to Malta’s great Baroque architect, Lorenzo Gafà. Between 1696 and 1705 he created the cathedral we see today: a harmonious Baroque composition in local limestone, with a commanding façade and an elegant dome that still defines the city’s silhouette.

Saint Paul's has remained central to the island's religious life ever since, even as Malta's population shifted towards Valletta. It is officially the seat of the Archdiocese of Malta, a role it now shares with Saint John's Co-Cathedral in the capital. Next door, the Cathedral Museum founded in 1897 preserves centuries of religious art, manuscripts, silverware and liturgical objects, underlining the cathedral's importance not just as a place of worship but as a guardian of Maltese cultural memory.

Things to See and Do in Saint Paul’s Cathedral

Inside the cathedral, the first thing you’ll notice is the richly coloured marble floor, inlaid with elaborate tomb slabs marking the resting places of bishops and Mdina’s noble families. These intricate stone “carpets” are artworks in their own right, full of coats of arms, Latin inscriptions and memento mori symbols that reward a slow, careful look. Above them, the walls and ceiling are covered with Baroque frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Paul and key episodes in Christian history.

Look up towards the dome and you’ll see how Gafà used light to dramatic effect, channelling it through windows to highlight the painted decoration and gilded stucco. Side chapels along the nave are dedicated to different saints and confraternities and often contain fine altarpieces, carved stone altars and delicate marble work. Don’t miss the choir area and main altar, where the craftsmanship in wood, marble and metalwork comes together in a particularly striking way.

A visit isn't complete without exploring the Cathedral Museum, housed in the former seminary and palaces nearby. Here you'll find a surprisingly large collection of paintings, religious silver and ecclesiastical vestments, alongside a memorable series of original Albrecht Dürer engravings that feel almost unexpected in such a small city. Combined with the cathedral itself, this makes Saint Paul's one of the top attractions in Mdina for visitors who enjoy art and history as much as architecture and atmosphere.

How to Get to Saint Paul’s Cathedral

Most visitors arrive in Malta via Malta International Airport (MLA), which is about a 20-25 minute drive from Mdina and very well connected to European cities. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Mdina on Booking.com. From Valletta and other major towns, frequent public buses run to Rabat and Mdina, dropping you just outside the old city walls; from there it's a short, atmospheric walk through the gates and up to the cathedral in the main square.

There is no domestic train network in Malta, so you won't be arriving in Mdina by train, but ferry connections link the island to Sicily and onward rail routes in mainland Europe.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Within Malta, buses and taxis are the main forms of public transport, and many organised tours include Mdina and the cathedral as part of a half-day or full-day itinerary, often combined with nearby Rabat or the west coast.

If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can hire a car from the airport or in Valletta and reach Mdina via well-signed roads in about 20-30 minutes. Parking is usually available near the city walls, as vehicles are restricted inside the old town itself, which keeps the streets around the cathedral wonderfully quiet and pedestrian-friendly.

Practical Tips on Visiting Saint Paul’s Cathedral

Suggested tips: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), speak quietly inside, and allow time both for the cathedral and the museum so you don’t have to rush.
Best time to visit: Mornings outside Sunday mass times are usually calmer, while late afternoon light can be beautiful for photos of the façade and dome.
Entrance fee: €10 for adults
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Official website: https://www.metropolitanchapter.com
How long to spend: Plan at least one to two hours for the cathedral, museum and a stroll around the square and nearby lanes.
Accessibility: The approach to Mdina is mostly level, but some cobbles and small steps inside may be challenging; check locally for the most accessible entrance and current provisions.
Facilities: You'll find toilets and small shops or cafés close by in Mdina, as well as benches in the main square for a quick rest.
Photography tip: Tripods and flash are usually not allowed; a fast lens or good low-light mode on your phone works best for capturing the interior without disturbing other visitors.
Guided tours: Consider joining a guided Mdina walking tour that includes the cathedral; the stories behind the art, tombs and legends really bring the building to life.
Nearby food options: Just outside the cathedral square and along Mdina’s side streets you’ll find cafés and restaurants serving everything from quick snacks to long lunches, often with rooftop or bastion views.

Where to Stay close to Saint Paul’s Cathedral

Staying in or near Mdina lets you experience Saint Paul's Cathedral in the quieter early mornings and evenings, when the day-trippers have gone and the “Silent City” really lives up to its name. For a special stay right in the heart of the old city, The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux offers a luxury boutique experience in a converted 17th-century palazzo just a short stroll from the cathedral steps. Its bastion terraces have some of the most romantic views on the island.

If you prefer something a little more relaxed and budget-friendly, look just outside the walls in Rabat. Point de Vue Guest House combines simple, comfortable rooms with views towards Mdina and easy bus connections. Another appealing option is Casa Azzopardi Guesthouse, a characterful guesthouse set in a traditional townhouse, ideal if you like local neighbourhoods and being able to walk to both Rabat’s sites and Mdina’s gate in just a few minutes.

Is Saint Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina Worth Visiting?

Saint Paul's Cathedral is absolutely worth visiting, whether you're in Mdina for a few hours or staying nearby. It combines a compelling origin story linked to Saint Paul, an elegant Baroque design by Lorenzo Gafà, and an interior packed with art, history and symbolism. The cathedral and its museum also help you understand why Mdina was once the island's power centre, long before Valletta was built.

Because it sits in Mdina's main square, visiting the cathedral naturally fits into any exploration of the city, from bastion views to quiet side streets and atmospheric cafés. For many travellers, the combination of sacred legend, architectural beauty and the unique calm of Mdina makes this spot one of the best places to see in Mdina.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (2,916)

St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina is a Baroque church filled with rich interior decoration, frescoes, engravings and notable artworks; visitors praise its beauty both inside and out, the ornate floors with crypts and tombs beneath, and occasional special moments like bell ringing or weddings. Tickets (which also grant access to the museum opposite) are purchased at the museum and can vary in price; lines can form so buying ahead is suggested.

Iwan Banens

2 months ago

"The most beautifull and impressive site in all of Malta. If you only pick one place to visit, pick this one. But your tickets online so you can skipthe line. Price of 15 euro sounds hefty but is well worth the money. Even had 2 paintings from Italian master Caravaggio inside...."

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Dan Goldiner

7 months ago

"I came on a Saturday morning, many people were there but it wasn't packed. I got the ticket the includes the museum next to it. You buy the ticket Inthe museum anyway. Usually the ticket is 15 Euro, but on that day is it was only 3, because it went to charity, which was very nice to hear and be part of. The cathedral itself is beautiful, so many things to see, so you can take your time. The chairs that you see is because I came on a wedding day, cool thing to experience I guess. Overall a must see in my opinion in Madina...."

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Luke Loran

5 months ago

"Amazing church to see. I am always amazed at the churches and the sheer beauty of the structures and interiors. Also museum is part of ticket as wellwhich is interesting...."

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FAQs for Visiting Saint Paul’s Cathedral

Yes, there is usually a combined ticket for the cathedral and Cathedral Museum; entrance for prayer during services may be treated differently from sightseeing visits.

Modest clothing is recommended, with shoulders and knees covered; bring a light scarf or shawl if you’re visiting in summer.

Visitors are welcome to attend mass, but you should avoid walking around to sightsee during services and follow the guidance of staff and signage.

Non-flash photography is often permitted for personal use, but rules can change, so always check posted signs and respect any restrictions.

Yes, the museum holds an impressive collection of religious art, silver, manuscripts and Dürer engravings, which add a lot of depth to what you see inside the cathedral itself.

Nearby Attractions to Saint Paul’s Cathedral

Mdina Bastions and City Walls - Walk the ramparts for sweeping views over central Malta and the surrounding countryside.
Palazzo Falson - A beautifully preserved historic house museum just a short walk away, showcasing period interiors and collections.
Mdina Dungeons - Small but atmospheric underground exhibits beneath the city, illustrating episodes from Malta's darker past.
Domus Romana - An archaeological museum in nearby Rabat, built around the remains of an ancient Roman townhouse and its mosaics.
St Paul's Catacombs (Rabat) - An extensive network of early Christian underground burial chambers offering a fascinating glimpse into late Roman and Byzantine-era Malta.

The Saint Paul's Cathedral appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Mdina!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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