St Paul's Cathedral — Attraction in Mdina

One approaches Mdina across low lying fields. Looking up to the hilltop, one first sees the great walls enclosing the city. Looming over the top of those walls, one then sees the dome of Mdina’s famous cathedral – St Paul’s. St Paul is the patron saint of Malta. This magnificent dome, with its red and white stripes, dominates the skyline. Unlike the rest of the Mdina, St Paul’s Cathedral is not that old. The original cathedral was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. The present cathedral was built between 1697 and 1702. The cathedral stands on the site of the house of Publius, the Roman governor of the island nearly 2000 years ago. It is claimed in the New Testament that St Paul was shipwrecked on Malta for three months and that, during that time, he converted Publius to Christiantity. As one would expect, the interior of the cathedral is also spectacular and contains many of the works of art that survived the earthquake.

Mdina was for many years the capital of Malta. The walls were built on the hilltop in about 1000 BC. The area inside the walls was named “Malet”, which means place of shelter. Then the Romans arrived and renamed the city “Melita”. By 900 AD, the Arabs had taken over and called the city “Mdina”, which is Arabic for “walled city”. By the year 1250, the Arabs had been expelled from Malta, but the name “Mdina” was retained. Under Christian rule, Mdina continued as the capital of the island. The ruling elite lived there and built their palaces within the city walls. It’s fortunate for them that they did, because for hundreds of years, the island suffered from pirate and Muslim invasions. Mdina itself was under siege from the Moors in 1429 and the Turks in 1551. In both cases, those great walls enabled the defenders to withstand the siege. But times...

St. Paul’s Cathedral, also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul, is a prominent Roman Catholic cathedral located in Mdina, Malta. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle and is a significant religious and historical landmark on the island.

Key Features and History:

Historical Significance: The cathedral is built on the site where, according to tradition, the Roman governor Publius met St. Paul following his shipwreck on the Maltese coast1.

Architectural Style: The current structure was designed by the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà and constructed between 1696 and 1705 in the Baroque style. It is considered Gafà’s masterpiece1.

Interior and Art: The interior of the cathedral is adorned with beautiful baroque decorations, including intricate frescoes, marble works, and a stunning dome. The cathedral also houses several significant works of art and religious artifacts1.

Crypt and Relics: Beneath the cathedral lies a crypt that contains remains of a Roman domus and is believed to be the site where St. Paul stayed during his time in Malta1.

Visiting Information:

Location: St. Paul’s Square, Mdina, Malta.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:45 PM, and Sunday from 3:00 PM to 4:45 PM2.

Contact: You can reach the cathedral at +356 2145 6620 for more information2.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a testament to Malta’s rich cultural and religious heritage. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history,...

Saint Paul's Cathedral, also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul, is located in Mdina, the former capital of Malta. Here are some key points about the cathedral:

History: The cathedral is said to be built on the site where Roman governor Publius met Saint Paul after his shipwreck on Malta around 60 AD.

Architecture: The current structure dates back to the late 17th century, built between 1697 and 1702. It was designed by Lorenzo Gafà, a Maltese architect, in the Baroque style.

Exterior: The cathedral has an impressive façade with twin bell towers and a large dome that dominates Mdina's skyline.

Interior: Inside, you'll find ornate decorations, including frescoes, marble work, and gilded details. The floor is covered with tombstones of nobles and clergy.

Artworks: The cathedral houses numerous artworks, including paintings by notable Maltese artists like Mattia Preti.

Religious significance: It serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta.

Tourism: The cathedral is a popular tourist attraction in Mdina, often visited along with other historical sites in the "Silent City." Saint Paul's...