Church of St James, Valletta, Roman Catholic church in Valletta, Malta
Church of St James is a baroque limestone building in central Valletta with an ornate facade featuring pillars, recessed niches, and a tall window. Two carved stone angels frame the main window, creating a striking focal point above the entrance.
Construction was completed in 1710 under architect Giovanni Barbara, replacing an earlier Mannerist structure from 1612. This rebuild represented a shift toward the more ornate baroque style that defined the city at that time.
The church serves as a gathering place for Roman Catholics, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Eritrean Orthodox communities, reflecting its role as a shared spiritual space. Walking inside, visitors notice how the different groups use and value the space together.
The church sits along Merchants Street and is easily found while walking through the old city lanes. Morning hours or late afternoon are good times to visit when fewer tourists are present.
The oval interior space features the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Castile positioned above the main entrance, supported by two carved stone angels. This heraldic element reflects the historical connections between Malta and Spanish rule.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
