Church of St James, Valletta

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.

Location: Valletta

Inception: 1710

Architects: Giovanni Barbara

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Made from material: limestone

GPS coordinates: 35.89667,14.51169

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41