Collegiate Church of St Paul, Minor basilica and parish church in Rabat, Malta
The Collegiate Church of St Paul is a minor basilica and parish church in Rabat featuring baroque design with a solid stone facade and twin bell towers. The structure displays ornate architectural details throughout, including carved moldings, decorative window frames, and sculptural elements that adorn its exterior and interior spaces.
Construction began in 1653 following Francesco Buonamici's designs and was completed in 1683 under Lorenzo Gafà's supervision. The project grew from the parish's desire to build a grander structure that reflected the town's increasing prosperity and spiritual aspirations.
The church serves as a gathering place for parish events and religious ceremonies that anchor the spiritual life of Rabat's residents. Visitors can witness how everyday faith practices connect the community to centuries of local Catholic tradition.
Visitors can enter the church during opening hours with free admission to view the ornate interiors and artistic furnishings inside. The grotto chamber beneath the complex is accessed through a separate entrance that connects to an adjoining museum facility.
The underground cavity beneath the church marks where a major Christian figure reportedly stayed for three months during ancient times. This site draws visitors of different backgrounds and beliefs, serving both as a religious shrine and as an archaeological point of interest.
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