St. John's Co-Cathedral, Grand Harbour Travel Guide

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Discover the opulent Baroque interior of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, home to Caravaggio's masterpiece and a testament to Malta's history.

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St. John's Co-Cathedral

St. John's Co-Cathedral, built in the late 16th century by the Knights of St. John, stands as a prominent landmark in Valletta, Malta. Its initially austere Mannerist exterior gives way to a breathtaking Baroque interior adorned with intricate carvings, gilded details, and stunning frescoes. The cathedral is also home to Caravaggio's masterpiece, 'The Beheading of St. John the Baptist'.

A brief summary to St. John's Co-Cathedral

Triq San Gwann, Valletta, MT
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Monday 9 am-4:15 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4:15 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:15 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:15 pm
Friday 9 am-4:15 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:15 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring St. John's Co-Cathedral.

Dress respectfully; shawls and wraps are available at the entrance.
Avoid stiletto heels to protect the marble floor; slippers are available for purchase.
Visit in the morning or on weekdays for a less crowded experience.
Allow at least two hours to fully explore the cathedral and museum.
Tickets can be bought online at least 24 hours in advance, or at the door for same-day admission.

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Explore St. John's Co-Cathedral on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

St. John's Co-Cathedral is centrally located in Valletta and easily accessible on foot from most points within the city. From City Gate, walk straight along Republic Street, the main thoroughfare. The cathedral will be on your left, marked by its two bell towers. The visitor entrance is on the left side of the main facade, on Great Siege Square.
Public Transport

Valletta is the central terminus for Malta's bus network. Numerous bus routes connect to Valletta from all over the island. From the main bus terminal just outside City Gate, walk straight along Republic Street to reach the cathedral. A single bus journey costs €2, with multi-day tickets available.
Ferry

Ferries connect Valletta to Sliema and the Three Cities (Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa). From the Valletta Ferry landing, you can take the Upper Barrakka Lift (€1 for the upward journey) to the city center. From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, walk along Castille Place and then turn right onto Republic Street to reach the cathedral. Alternatively, bus route 133 connects the ferry quays with the city center.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Malta. A short taxi ride from the Valletta Waterfront or another location in the city center should cost approximately €10-€15. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Taxi stands are located outside City Gate.
Driving

Parking within Valletta is limited. It is recommended to park outside the city walls and walk in. Paid parking is available at the MCP car park just outside Valletta, with a flat rate of €4 on weekdays before 7pm and €5 on weekends and public holidays. Alternatively, use the Park & Ride facility in Floriana for €0.40 per day, including a free shuttle service to Valletta. Be aware of the Valletta Control Vehicular Access (CVA) system, which charges a fee for entering Valletta by car during certain hours.

Discover more about St. John's Co-Cathedral

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.