The Heritage & History of Malta

St John’s Co‑Cathedral, Valletta

St John’s Co‑Cathedral, Valletta

A Baroque marvel with opulent interiors, featuring marble floors, gilded walls, Preti's ceiling art, and Caravaggio's masterpiece in the Oratory.
St John's Co-Cathedral, located in Valletta, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, renowned for its opulent interior and historical significance. Constructed between 1572 and 1577 by the Order of St. John, the cathedral was designed by Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar. Its plain exterior contrasts with the lavishly decorated interior, featuring intricate marble floors, gilded walls, and a vaulted ceiling adorned with paintings by Mattia Preti. One of its most notable highlights is the Caravaggio masterpiece, "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist," housed in the Oratory. The cathedral serves as a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the Knights of Malta.