Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Malta  /  Island of Malta  /  Valletta  /  St. John's Co-Cathedral

St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta

4.7

#1 of 128 in Things to do in Valletta

Religious Site Architectural Building Must See

• ©
• ©
• ©
• © +6
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©

Considered one the finest examples of High Baroque architecture in Europe, St. John's Co-Cathedral represents one of the world's celebrated churches. The impressive structure was built by the Knights of Malta between 1573 and 1578. Though the exterior is somewhat rough, resembling a military fort, the interior boasts intricately carved walls, a painted vaulted ceiling, and a marble floor made up of Knight's tombs. Visit the cathedral's seven chapels, all filled with elaborate riches and dedicated to the different patron saints of the Knights. Don't miss Caravaggio's masterpiece, "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist" (1608) in the Oratory, for which it was commissioned. An informative audio guide is included in the price of admission. Note that high heels are not permitted in the cathedral to preserve the marble floor. Slippers can be purchased on site. Arrange your visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral and discover more family-friendly attractions in Valletta using our Valletta trip maker site.

more less

Create an itinerary including St. John's Co-Cathedral

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

St. John's Co-Cathedral Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

11,645 reviews

Google

4.7

facebook

4.9

1 likes

• By Ltraveller567

  This HAS to be number one on your list of things to see in Malta. The entry ticket is reasonably priced and includes an audio guide which explains everything in great detail. Allow 1-2 hours plus...  more »

• By Lahori2015

  Definitely worth visiting. The audio guide is essential. Amazing and incredible art works and ornate craftsmanship. Don’t need to be religious to enjoy. Probably gets really busy in the summer, was...  more »

See more on TripAdvisor »

Google

• By Lela Zammit

  A beautiful and historic Cathedral. It is a must see if you visit Malta. The size and beautifully colours and architecture had me dazzled the entire time. A totally different and amazing experience to have got. I am very lucky to have seen it. If you go to Malta someday, do check it out.

  more less
• By Paweł Mazurkiewicz

  The cathedral itself is an remarkable piece of baroque architecture. Interior is detailed and really worth seeing. The only problem for me is the price (10€) as I'm not accustomed to paying for entering churches. Church is rich enough and after all - this is a place of worship, not a museum. If churches in Vatican are free to enter, so this one should be.

  more less

See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Valletta

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Book it

  Choose from the best hotels
  and activities. Up to 50% off

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.