St Peter's Church and Monastery, Mdina

St. Peter's Church and Monastery is a baroque church with an attached convent in Mdina, featuring ornate interior spaces and religious artworks. The compound includes a working monastery and a museum section that opens to visitors, showcasing both the sacred areas and the monks' living quarters.

The monastery was founded in 1455 by order of Pope Callixtus III, replacing a medieval hospital that once stood on the same ground. The baroque church developed over time, becoming a center for Benedictine monastic life and religious practice in Mdina.

The church preserves works by Francesco Zahra depicting the Resurrection and Mary as a pilgrim, reflecting the religious devotion of Mdina's community. These paintings remain central to how visitors experience the spiritual purpose of the space today.

The monastery and church are located in a quiet side street off Mdina's main thoroughfare, easily accessible on foot from the old city center. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the approach involves narrow passageways and stone steps leading to the entrance.

A grand altarpiece painted by Mattia Preti in 1682 shows the Madonna and Child accompanied by Saint Peter and Saint Benedict, dominating the sanctuary space. This large canvas remains one of the most memorable artistic works visitors encounter inside the church.