“Discover the beauty and history of Malta at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.”

Exploring the Beauty and History of St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta

Malta is a small island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and stunning architecture. One of the most impressive architectural wonders in Malta is the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, located in the capital city of Valletta. This stunning baroque masterpiece is a true gem of Malta, with a rich history and beautiful art that is sure to leave visitors in awe.

The St. John’s Co-Cathedral was built in the late 16th century by the Knights of St. John, a Catholic military order that had established itself on the island of Malta in the early 16th century. The cathedral was built to serve as the main church for the Knights, who had taken a vow of poverty and were dedicated to defending the Catholic faith.

The exterior of the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is relatively plain, with a simple stone facade and a few decorative elements. However, the interior of the cathedral is a true work of art. The ceiling is adorned with intricate frescoes that depict scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Knights of St. John. The walls are covered in beautiful marble and gold leaf, which give the cathedral a rich and opulent feel.

One of the most striking features of the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is the floor. The cathedral floor is made up of more than 400 marble tombstones, which were laid down in the 17th and 18th centuries to commemorate the Knights who had died in battle. Each tombstone is intricately carved with the coat of arms and personal emblems of the Knight it commemorates, making the floor a true work of art and a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Knights of St. John.

Another highlight of the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is the artwork. The cathedral is home to several stunning paintings by the famous Italian artist Caravaggio, including two of his most famous works, “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist” and “St. Jerome Writing”. These paintings are considered some of the finest examples of Caravaggio’s work and are a must-see for art lovers visiting Malta.

In addition to the Caravaggio paintings, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is also home to several other beautiful works of art, including paintings by the Maltese artist Mattia Preti and sculptures by the Italian artist Melchiorre Cafà. These works of art help to make the cathedral a true masterpiece of baroque art and a testament to the skill and creativity of the artists who created them.

Visitors to the St. John’s Co-Cathedral can also explore the various chapels and side altars that are scattered throughout the cathedral. Each of these chapels is dedicated to a different saint or religious figure and is adorned with beautiful artwork and decorations. Visitors can also see the ornate wooden choir stalls, which were carved in the 17th century and are considered some of the finest examples of baroque woodwork in the world.

One of the most interesting things about the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is its rich history. Over the centuries, the cathedral has been the site of many important events, including the coronation of Grand Master Jean de la Cassière in 1636 and the funerals of several Knights of St. John. The cathedral has also survived several wars and attacks, including a bombing during World War II that destroyed much of the surrounding area but left the cathedral miraculously unscathed.

Today, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malta, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to admire its beauty and learn about its rich history. The cathedral is open to the public every day, and visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own. There is also a museum on the grounds of the cathedral that houses a collection of artifacts and artwork related to the Knights of St. John and the history of Malta.

In conclusion, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a true masterpiece of baroque art and a testament to the skill and creativity of the artists who created it. With its rich history, beautiful artwork, and stunning architecture, it is a must-see for anyone visiting Malta. Whether you are an art lover, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates beauty and craftsmanship, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.