The most visited monument in the capital city of Valletta is undoubtedly the St. John the Baptist Cathedral. Malta's main cathedral is in Mdina, but St John's in Valletta enjoys the same privileges as the cathedral. Hence the name "co-cathedral".

The church attracts its attention especially with its richly decorated interiors with famous paintings.

Construction took place between 1573 and 1578.

The austere façade...

At first glance, St. John's Cathedral is just an ordinary church. The architect Girolamo Cassar designed the building in a very austere Mannerist style.

The church is lower than the nearby Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, so it is not even a prominent landmark of the city.

However, the not very attractive exterior should not deter you from visiting.

St. John's Cathedral

...breathtaking interior

The interior of the church is one of the highlights of Baroque architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.

The interior was rebuilt in Baroque style during the 17th century and its extraordinary ornate design contrasts sharply with the exterior façade.

The remarkable paintings are complemented by rich gold decoration and marble columns and floors.

Interior of the cathedral

Interior of St. John's Cathedral

Ceiling of St. John's Cathedral

Floors in St. John's Cathedral

Side aisles of the cathedral

Caravaggio's painting

The most valuable works of art abound in the oratory, one of the side rooms of the cathedral.

Here you can admire the painting depicting the "Beheading of St. John the Baptist (1608)", painted by the famous Italian painter Caravaggio. It is his largest canvas and the only painting he ever signed.