Saint Paul's Cathedral, Mdina

Cathedral in Mdina

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Georg Karl Ell

Saint Paul's Cathedral, located in Mdina, Malta, is a striking Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle. Steeped in centuries of religious devotion and architectural evolution, the cathedral holds a special place in Malta's cultural and spiritual identity. It is one of the most revered landmarks on the island, both for its religious significance and its architectural grandeur.

Origins Rooted in Legend

The origins of Saint Paul's Cathedral trace back to the 12th century. According to local tradition, the cathedral is built on the very spot where the Roman governor Publius is believed to have met Saint Paul following the Apostle's shipwreck on Malta, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. This legendary encounter has cemented the cathedral's role as a sacred site, attracting pilgrims and visitors from around the world who wish to connect with this pivotal moment in Christian history.

Destruction and Baroque Rebirth

Tragically, the original medieval structure was heavily damaged during the catastrophic earthquake that struck Sicily and surrounding regions in 1693. In the aftermath, the original cathedral had to be completely dismantled. The present-day structure was rebuilt between 1696 and 1705 under the direction of the celebrated Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà. Embracing the ornate Baroque style, Gafà's design brought a new life and visual splendor to the cathedral. Today, it stands as a masterpiece of Baroque architecture in Malta, with intricate details, harmonious proportions, and a majestic dome that dominates the skyline of Mdina.

The Cathedral's Role and Adjacent Museum

Saint Paul's Cathedral continues to serve as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta. However, since the 19th century, this role has been shared with Saint John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, reflecting the religious and administrative importance of both churches. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Cathedral Museum, founded in 1897, which houses an exceptional collection of religious and secular artifacts. Spanning from the 14th to the early 20th century, the museum offers a glimpse into Malta's artistic, religious, and cultural history. Highlights include medieval religious panels, a rich display of ecclesiastical vestments, antique furniture, and a permanent collection of 76 original woodcuts by the German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. There is also a numismatic gallery featuring ancient coins, although it has been under refurbishment since early 2020.

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

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