Saint John's Co-Cathedral
Church Baroque cathedral in Valletta with richly decorated interior
In Valletta, Saint John’s Co-Cathedral draws visitors for its richly carved Baroque interior, painted vaults, tombs of the Knights and a notable Caravaggio canvas in the oratory.
Saint John’s Co-Cathedral is a Roman Catholic co-cathedral in Valletta built by the Knights of St John in the late 16th century. It is renowned for its richly decorated Baroque interior and important artworks.
The interior contrasts a relatively plain exterior with an ornate marble pavement, gilded altars, and ceilings painted in elaborate Baroque style. The cathedral also houses an oratory containing Caravaggio’s celebrated painting of the beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
Commissioned by the Order of St John after the founding of Valletta, construction took place in the 1570s and the church served as the conventual church of the knights. Over subsequent centuries the cathedral was decorated and embellished with tombs, chapels, and artworks donated by the various langues of the Order.
Situated centrally in Valletta close to the city’s main streets and fortifications, the cathedral occupies a prominent urban block within Malta’s capital.
- Caravaggio painting: Contains Caravaggio's major work "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist", which is displayed in the oratory and is a highlight for many visitors.
How to Get to Saint John's Co-Cathedral #
Located in Valletta’s city centre near St. John’s Square. From Valletta Bus Terminus it is a 5-8 minute walk (about 400 m). Taxi drop-off is available on Republic Street nearby.
Tips for Visiting Saint John's Co-Cathedral #
- Queue early to enter the oratory and Caravaggio's famous painting before the late-morning tour groups arrive.
- Look down as well as up: the worn flagstones in the nave show centuries of foot traffic, and there are subtle scorch marks from candle votives near side chapels.
- Buy the combined ticket that includes the Treasury - the goldwork and knights' armorials reward a second, quieter pass.
Best Time to Visit Saint John's Co-Cathedral #
Visit in shoulder seasons to avoid heavy cruise-ship crowds and to have time to study the Caravaggio and the richly carved Baroque vaults.
Weather & Climate near Saint John's Co-Cathedral #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 10°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (520 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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