St. Paul's Cathedral: A Baroque Masterpiece in Mdina

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Discover St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina, a Baroque masterpiece with historical and religious significance, showcasing Malta's rich cultural heritage.

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St Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral, also known as the Mdina Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle, located in Mdina, Malta. The cathedral stands on the traditional site where the Roman governor Publius met St. Paul after his shipwreck on the island. The current cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece designed by Lorenzo Gafà, was constructed between 1696 and 1705, replacing a Norman cathedral that was severely damaged in the 1693 Sicily earthquake.

A brief summary to St Paul's Cathedral

2 Triq San Pawl, Mdina, MDN 1061, MT
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Monday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

Dress respectfully when visiting, as St. Paul's Cathedral is an active place of worship.
Visit during the spring months (March-May) for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Purchase a combo ticket to visit both the Cathedral and the Cathedral Museum.
Be mindful of the marble floors; avoid wearing stiletto heels.

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Getting There

Walking

From Mdina Gate, enter the city and walk straight along Triq Villegaignon. Continue straight, passing the National Museum of Natural History on your left. St. Paul's Cathedral will be directly in front of you in St. Paul's Square.
Public Transport

Take a bus to Rabat. From the Rabat bus terminus, walk towards Mdina Gate. Enter through Mdina Gate and walk straight along Triq Villegaignon. Continue straight, passing the National Museum of Natural History on your left. St. Paul's Cathedral will be directly in front of you in St. Paul's Square.
Driving

Drive to Mdina and park in one of the car parks outside the city walls. Parking is available near the Mdina Gate, next to the Rabat bus terminus, and in the ditch under the fortifications. From the car park, walk to Mdina Gate. Enter through Mdina Gate and walk straight along Triq Villegaignon. Continue straight, passing the National Museum of Natural History on your left. St. Paul's Cathedral will be directly in front of you in St. Paul's Square.

Discover more about St Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral, an architectural gem, dominates Mdina's skyline with its magnificent dome and Baroque facade. The cathedral is believed to stand on the site where St. Paul converted the Roman governor Publius to Christianity. The cathedral that stands today was built after the original Norman church was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1693. Designed by Lorenzo Gafà, the cathedral is considered his masterpiece, blending Baroque style with Maltese architectural influences.The cathedral's facade is divided into three bays by pilasters of Corinthian and Composite orders, with the central bay slightly forward. The main doorway features the coats of arms of Mdina, Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful, and Bishop Davide Cocco Palmieri. Inside, the Latin cross plan includes a vaulted nave, aisles, and side chapels. The interior showcases marble floors, tombstones, and paintings, including Mattia Preti's depiction of St. Paul's conversion.The Cathedral Museum, housed in the former Seminary, displays a collection of ecclesiastical items. The museum's exhibits include paintings, prints, and a coin collection. The cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a cultural landmark, hosting regular masses and welcoming visitors to explore its art and history.