St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina is a baroque church with an octagonal dome, twin bell towers, and a symmetrical facade made from local limestone. The building features geometric proportions that define the skyline of this old hillside city.

The current building arose after the 1693 earthquake destroyed its predecessor, and architect Lorenzo Gafa designed and constructed it between 1696 and 1705. This reconstruction was part of a wider rebuilding effort that reshaped Mdina following the natural disaster.

The cathedral sits in the heart of Mdina and displays religious art from the 17th and 18th centuries alongside silver objects. These works reflect the spiritual and artistic values that have been central to the place over time.

Visitors can enter the building on most days and should check opening times in advance. There is an admission fee that provides access to the main worship space and the museum collections inside.

The site is believed to have a connection to Saint Paul and his arrival on Malta after a shipwreck in the first century. This legendary link continues to shape the spiritual importance of the place.

Location: Mdina

Inception: 1702

Architects: Lorenzo Gafà

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Address: Misrah San Pawl

Website: http://metropolitanchapter.com

GPS coordinates: 35.88639,14.40389

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:40