St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina is the Roman Catholic cathedral located in Malta’s historic walled city of Mdina, commonly referred to as the Mdina Cathedral. It is a baroque building rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and occupies a central position on Mdina’s main square.

The cathedral interior contains a nave, chapels and a richly decorated choir area with notable paintings and ecclesiastical furnishings. An adjacent Cathedral Museum displays religious art, silverwork and vestments associated with the cathedral’s history, including works by prominent Maltese and Italian artists.

The present baroque structure was erected in the period after the 1693 earthquake, replacing an earlier medieval building; the reconstruction was carried out under architect Lorenzo Gafà and completed in the early 18th century.

The cathedral sits at the heart of Mdina’s fortified city, a short walk from the city’s gate and the neighbouring town of Rabat; the square in front of the cathedral is the main public approach and viewing point.

• Best viewpoint: The cathedral is set within the fortified city of Mdina and faces the central square, which offers the best vantage point for the facade and dome.
• Date and art: The building dates from a post-1693 reconstruction, with the main works completed in the early 1700s and significant interior artworks on display in the museum.

What to See#

• Baroque cathedral building: The cathedral was rebuilt after the major 1693 earthquake and the present baroque structure was completed in the early 18th century to a design by architect Lorenzo Gafà.
• Cathedral Museum: An adjoining museum displays religious art, vestments and relics, including works by notable Maltese and Italian artists.

• Arrive in Mdina early, before tour buses, to experience the cathedral with far fewer visitors and better light for photos in the small cathedral square.
• Include the adjacent Mdina Cathedral (diocesan) Museum in your visit - it houses additional religious art and artifacts that many visitors overlook when they only see the cathedral interior.