St. John's Co-Cathedral Travel Guide

St. John's Co-Cathedral, located in the heart of Valletta, is a testament to Malta's rich history and artistic heritage. Built by the Knights of St. John between 1573 and 1577, it served as their conventual church, a place of worship and a symbol of their power. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Order.Designed by the Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar, the exterior of the cathedral presents a Mannerist facade, almost fortified in appearance. This reflects the Order's recent victory in the Great Siege of 1565. However, stepping inside reveals a different world – a lavish Baroque interior that is considered one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture in Europe.The transformation of the interior occurred in the 17th century when Grand Master Raphael Cotoner commissioned Mattia Preti, a Calabrian artist and knight, to redecorate the church. Preti's work included intricately carved stone walls and a stunning barrel-vaulted ceiling adorned with frescoes depicting the life of St. John the Baptist. The frescoes create an illusion of three-dimensional statues, showcasing Preti's mastery of light and shadow. The cathedral also features nine naves, eight dedicated to the patron saints of the langues of the Knights, and a ninth dedicated to Our Lady. The floor is covered with intricately patterned marble tombstones, each representing a knight or dignitary.One of the cathedral's greatest treasures is Caravaggio's 'The Beheading of St John the Baptist', housed in the Oratory. This masterpiece is the largest work by Caravaggio and the only one to bear his signature. The Oratory also contains Caravaggio's 'St. Jerome Writing'. The St John's Co-Cathedral Museum displays a collection of silverware, paintings, choral books, and sacred vestments, including Flemish tapestries donated by Grand Master Ramon Perellos.