St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta

Cathedral in Valletta

In the heart of Valletta, St. John's Co-Cathedral stands as one of the island's most extraordinary landmarks and one of the best places to see in Valletta. From the outside, its fortress-like façade may appear plain, but stepping through its doors reveals an interior of breathtaking opulence. Built between 1572 and 1577 by the Knights of St. John, this cathedral was designed by Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar and commissioned by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière as the Order's spiritual centerpiece. Inside, gilded carvings, frescoes, and marble inlays fill every surface, creating an awe-inspiring contrast to its austere exterior.

It is impossible not to be captivated by the cathedral's theatrical splendor. The golden vaults, vivid ceiling frescoes, and intricately carved stone walls represent the pinnacle of Maltese Baroque art. Every corner tells a story of devotion, ambition, and artistic rivalry. The cathedral remains one of the Top attractions in Valletta - a living monument to Malta's faith and the power once wielded by the Order of St. John.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get to St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Is St. John’s Co-Cathedral Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

St. John's Co-Cathedral was constructed shortly after the founding of Valletta, intended as both a house of worship and a statement of prestige for the Knights of St. John. The building's fortress-like exterior mirrored the disciplined, militaristic nature of the Order, while the interior reflected its wealth and religious fervor. Initially simple in design, it underwent a lavish Baroque transformation in the 17th century under Grand Master Raphael Cotoner, who commissioned artist Mattia Preti to paint its dramatic vaulted ceilings.

Each Langue (national division) of the Knights had its own chapel within the cathedral, leading to friendly competition over which could be the most elaborately adorned. These chapels remain among the most ornate in Europe, filled with gilded altarpieces, marble statues, and symbolic imagery. The floor itself is a masterpiece - more than 400 inlaid marble tombs commemorate knights and commanders, their coats of arms and Latin inscriptions immortalizing centuries of service and sacrifice.

Things to See and Do

The undisputed highlight is Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist,” displayed in the Oratory. This is the artist’s only signed painting and one of the most powerful depictions of martyrdom in art history. The nearby “Saint Jerome Writing” showcases Caravaggio’s signature use of light and shadow, offering insight into his time in Malta.

Visitors can wander through the side chapels, each dedicated to different national groups of the Knights, marveling at their unique decorations. The vaulted ceilings painted by Preti depict scenes from the life of St. John and seem to shimmer in the light filtering through the high windows. Beneath your feet, the marble floor adds another layer of beauty and reflection, each tombstone a work of art in itself. This spot is one of the best places to see in Valletta and a highlight of any walking tour of Valletta, where faith and art converge on an unparalleled scale.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €15 for adults (includes audio guide)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Saturday 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Official website: stjohnscocathedral.com
How long to spend: 1-2 hours
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible via main entrance
Facilities: Audio guides in multiple languages, gift shop, and restrooms
Photography tip: Photography inside is limited - focus on details in side chapels and the marble floor
Guided tours: Available and highly recommended for historical context
Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants along Merchant Street and Republic Square

How to Get to St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Located in the very heart of Valletta on St. John's Street, the cathedral is easily accessible on foot from City Gate - about a 10-minute walk through the bustling main streets. Visitors arriving by ferry from Sliema or the Three Cities can take the Barrakka Lift up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and stroll toward the cathedral. Valletta's compact layout makes it easy to include the cathedral as part of a day of sightseeing.

Is St. John’s Co-Cathedral Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. St. John's Co-Cathedral is one of the Must-see places in Valletta and among the most beautiful churches in Europe. Its combination of artistic brilliance, historical importance, and spiritual atmosphere makes it a destination that stays with you long after you leave. Even for non-religious visitors, the cathedral's art and architecture offer a window into Malta's soul.

Nearby Attractions

Grandmaster's Palace - Once the administrative seat of the Knights of St. John, filled with history and grandeur.
Upper Barrakka Gardens - Offers sweeping harbor views and a daily cannon salute.
Casa Rocca Piccola - A 16th-century noble residence offering insights into Maltese aristocratic life.
National Museum of Archaeology - Home to fascinating prehistoric artifacts from Malta's temples.
Fort St. Elmo - A short walk away, where the National War Museum showcases Malta's resilience and heroism.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (24,056)

A high-baroque gem in Valletta, famous for its opulent gold-leaf interior, intricate marble floors, and Caravaggio's masterpiece, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

Aleksandar Miljic

a month ago

"St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta is one of Malta's most breathtaking and historically significant landmarks. It's a place that often leavesvisitors in awe, as its relatively plain, fortress-like exterior gives no hint of the breathtaking artistic treasure within. From the outside, the cathedral, built between 1573 and 1578, reflects the military and austere character of Valletta, a city built by the Knights of St. John. Its design is attributed to the Maltese military architect Girolamo Cassar. It looks more like a fortress than a church, which was a deliberate choice in a city preparing for potential siege. Stepping inside is a genuinely jaw-dropping experience. The interior was lavishly redecorated in the 17th century in the High Baroque style, creating a stark and dramatic contrast with the exterior. The entire interior is covered in incredibly detailed and ornate gold gilt, intricate carvings, and magnificent frescoes. The cathedral was built as the conventual church for the Knights of St. John (also known as the Knights Hospitaller). The term "Co-Cathedral" came into use later, as it shares the seat of the Archbishop of Malta with the older Cathedral of St. Paul in Mdina. The church was designed to serve the Order's eight langues (or "tongues")—regional divisions based on the knights' places of origin in Europe (e.g., Provence, Auvergne, France, Italy, Germany, etc.). Each langue had its own dedicated chapel within the cathedral, which they decorated in competition with one another, leading to the incredible richness of the art on display. Without a doubt, the most famous artistic treasure in the Co-Cathedral is "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist" by the revolutionary Italian master Caravaggio...."

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Sebastien Roche

2 months ago

"St. John’s Co-Cathedral is an **absolutely majestic and lavish masterpiece**. From the moment you step inside, you're surrounded by **ornate baroquearchitecture, gilded details, and stu ing frescoes** that reflect the grandeur of Malta’s rich history. The site is **exceptionally well maintained**, and every corner tells a story. The **audio guide is available directly on your smartphone**, making the visit smooth and informative. It’s a great way to explore at your own pace while learning about the cathedral’s fascinating background. ⏳ **Tip**: Be sure to **buy your tickets online** in advance — it helps you **skip the queue at the entrance**, especially during peak hours. A must-see in Valletta for anyone interested in art, history, or simply breathtaking architecture!..."

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manjari jha

a month ago

"One of the best place to visit when you are in Malta. I recommend buying tickets in advance (skip the line one). Ticket for children under 12 isfree. There is audio guide available at each section. Once you scan the qr code, you can listen to it. For few sections photography is prohibited so be wary of that. Most sections can be photographed with flash turned off at all times. My favourite section was the Caravaggio one. His paintings are hauntingly beautiful and you get to understand the composition, technique etc of the art. The Caravaggio show is only held on few dates so check and book in advance is recommended...."

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The St. John's Co-Cathedral appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

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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